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Domestic violence is one of the fastest growing crimes in Utah, and this week is dedicated to raising awareness.
There are almost 4,000 flags in the lawn of the Salt Lake City and County building. They represent every man, woman and child who left violent homes last year to find refuge in Utah domestic violence shelters. This is one of a number of events planned for this week.
"The shelters currently are full. Victim advocates are receiving an increased demand on services, and our 24-hour DV Link Line is busier than ever," said Judy Casteno Bell, with the Utah Domestic Violence Council.
Domestic violence is a growing problem some fear will get worse before it gets better. "When it's domestic violence, you have a lot of emotion tied into it. You've got kids that factor in, economic situations that make it difficult; there's a lot of stressors, especially with the economy," said West Valley police Detective Steve O'Camb.
O'Camb works with victims of domestic violence every day. This afternoon, the Utah Domestic Violence Council thanked him with an award for his work on a case that made headlines.
In December of last year, a woman was held hostage for weeks, chained to an engine block in her house by her boyfriend. Detective O'Camb followed up with her and made sure she had the resources she needed to stay safe.
"The goal of this particular organization is to empower the victims. Make them feel like they're not alone when it comes to these types of situations, and that there is help for them out there," O'Camb said.
The Salt Lake City Police Department's Domestic Violence Unit was recognized for the establishment of the Salt Lake Area Family Justice Center.
"People who are victims of domestic violence can come to one location -- it's located at the YWCA. Police officers are there, victim advocates are there, prosecutors are there; so they don't have to several different areas across town to get the services they need," explained Salt Lake City police Chief Chris Burbank.
So far this year, there have been 21 domestic violence-related deaths. The Utah Domestic Violence Council hopes to prevent disputes from escalating to death by getting this message out.
"We want people to understand what the resources are so that when they feel they are unsafe, they will go to a safe place," Bell said.
If you need help, you can call the 24-hour Domestic Violence Link Line at 1-800-897-LINK.
Also, tonight at 5:00, the YWCA will be holding a Family Night. For details on that event and others planned for the rest of the week, see below. Week Without Violence Events
- Thursday, OCt. 23, 6:30 p.m. -It's Elementary: Talking about Gay Issues in Schools at the Broadway Theater (111 E. 300 South). The film addresses issues of prejudice, bullying and the need for community building.
- Friday, Oct. 24, 11 a.m. -Mayor Ralph Becker will speak and daffodils will be planted in remembrance of those who lost their lives to gun violence in 2007 at the Unity Center (1385 S. 900 West) in Glendale.
- Saturday, Oct. 25, 12-8 p.m. -Salt Lake Area Family Justice Center benefit concert at nobrow (315 E. 300 South).