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TOOELE — A new survivor advocacy center opened in Tooele Wednesday, dedicated to helping victims of sexual assault and domestic violence.
The new Pathways Survivor Advocacy Center is different than a domestic violence shelter, which typically houses victims and needs to operate in secret in order to keep victims safe from abusers. The center, located at 7 S. Main in Tooele, will not shelter anyone; rather, it was created as a brick-and-mortar, walk-in resource for victims and their families escaping domestic violence or sexual assault.
"We're going to offer things like safety planning, protective orders, case management and housing. We have all kinds of resources to help people get out of an unsafe situation," said Angie Higgley, Pathway's Survivor Advocacy Center associate director.
The same group that runs the longtime Pathways Domestic Violence Center in Tooele manages the new center. Its goal is to provide survivors with any resources they need to get back on their feet.
"We even have computers that they can use if they don't have that ability to use that at home, or it's not safe to do it at home; they can come do it here," Higgins said.
Pathways recently joined the umbrella of South Valley Services to provide victim support. Their victim advocates say this center can also be where friends and families point someone for help.
"If we're able to help our community identify when someone's in need, then we have more neighbors and family members and friends who can say, 'Hey, I know a place, let's go talk to someone,'" said Lindsey Boyer, South Valley Services executive director.
She said this center is a huge benefit for the small community of Tooele.
"This allows us to be seen and accessible," she said.
The center's organizers want victims to know that even though it can be scary to take the first step toward healing, finding help is possible. That's exactly why this center was created, they say.
"Once you take that first step, each step just follows. And before you know it, you're surrounded by a support system and you see the path to healing," Boyer said.
The center will rely on in-kind donations as well. The center's director said its biggest needs are nontraditional items that you might need to start a new home, like silverware, furnishings, clothes and even food.
The center will be open Monday to Thursday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and on Fridays by appointment only. It can be reached at 435-843-1677. It also offers a help line victims can call at 435-231-3557.
