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SALT LAKE CITY — In 2012, 29 Utahns died as a result of domestic violence.
The number is lower than in 2011, when there were 33 deaths; however, 2011 and 2012 were higher than the previous seven years. And in 2012, nearly half the homicides were related to domestic violence.
Tonya Lemus, a survivor of domestic violence, talked about her experience for the first time Wednesday at a remembrance ceremony and news conference.
After 8–10 years of abuse, Tonya Lemus left her abusive husband when he began hitting their children. She considers herself one of the lucky ones and said she and the children are alive today because of that choice.
"I'm a single mom of six children. I became that way because I chose to make a change," she said. "It wasn't easy; it took me years to get there."
That did not happen for a Washington County woman who tried to end her relationship with her boyfriend. On March 22, he shot and killed her, her daughter, the family dog and then himself. They are three of the 29 domestic violence deaths in Utah in 2012.
- 28 domestic violence-related deaths occurred in Utah.
- 1,953 permanent protective orders and 204 civil stalking injunctions were granted statewide.
- 3,751 domestic violence criminal charges were filed in dis-trict courts statewide.
- 2,224 women, 45 men, and 1,958 children were sheltered in 16 emergency domestic violence shelters in Utah, a total of 4,227 people served.
This gathering, hosted by the Utah Domestic Violence Council every January, calls these deaths the most predictable and preventable murders. They appeal to the legislature to increase funding for programs and shelters.
"I'm hoping that if we do our job well, the state of Utah would access what it really should have: the claim to be the safest state in the nation for families and for children," said Peg Coleman, executive director of the Utah Domestic Violence Council.
Also at the ceremony, Jessie Funk performed "Susan's Song," written by Cami Morrison, to honor Susan Powell and her sons. Josh Powell blew up his home in February, killing himself and his two young sons, according to authorities. Powell was a person of interest in the 2009 disappearance of Susan Powell.
Though Susan, Charles and Braden are not included in Utah's statistics, they remind us all of unimaginable suffering.
- Utah Domestic Violence Link Line 1-800-897-LINK (5465)
- Rape & Sexual Assault Crisis Line 1-888-421-1100
"Nobody should have to live in that situation," Lemus said. "Everybody deserves to be safe, number one, and happy, and build that foundation for your children."
Experts say one of the warning signs for future domestic abuse is children who are bullies. When they reach the teen years, it can lead to abuse in dating and then to domestic violence with their own families.
"They come from a violent home. They come from a place where using power over another individual is a way they can get what they want," said Annette MacFarlane, president-elect of the council. "It becomes a normal way to act."
Utah has 16 shelters for domestic abuse victims.
"I ask the legislators to continue funding domestic violence programs," said Brandy Farmer, who serves on the council. "Legislators have power in this state; I beg you to help us."
