- Safe Harbor Crisis Center hosts a 5K event in Kaysville on Friday.
- Event aims to raise awareness of sexual violence and support survivors.
- Proceeds fund center's services like housing and a 24-hour support line.
KAYSVILLE — Sexual Assault Awareness Month, which is observed each April, may be winding down, but the impacts on people who have experienced the form of violence can span way beyond 30 calendar days.
One in three homicides in Utah is related to domestic violence or some sort of intimate partner violence.
While the state reports that two in five homicides among female victims are due to a current or former partner, advocates say men also experience physical and sexual abuse.
The Safe Harbor Crisis Center in Layton is bringing community members together for its Walk In Their Shoes event on Friday evening at Barnes Park, located at 950 W. 200 North in Kaysville.
It's open to people who want to run, walk or just spectate to support survivors — both male and female, raise awareness, and take a stand against sexual violence.
Hannah Powell, director of community advocacy at Safe Harbor Crisis Center, said the organization previously hosted candlelight vigils and other events to honor Sexual Assault Awareness Month. In 2024, it evolved to the 5K/walk to get more people involved, including survivors, law enforcement and first responders.
"I think last year we had over 100 people, which was amazing," she said.
While the event is intended to help spread further awareness surrounding domestic violence and sexual assault — impacting both men and women, its also highlights the resources available in Davis County.
Established in 1994, Safe Harbor Crisis Center not only provides a safe place for people fleeing domestic violence, but the organization also helps those who have landed in homelessness due to escaping abuse with transitional housing, forensic nurses on staff to examine victims of assault and a 24-hour support line at 801-444-9161.
"A lot of the time, when someone's assaulted, they don't really know where to turn or who to call. And so if they just remember our name, we have like a 24/7 crisis number where they can get connected to medical services — or even just supportive services if they don't want to go that route, like any time of the day," Powell explained.
The organization's services are free to reduce barriers for survivors seeking help.
Last year, the center served 2,000 people and provided more than 30,000 services to people seeking resources, Powell said. An increase in demand has also led to longer waitlists for housing and other outreach services.
"There's a ton of people who need help in the county and you know, we're doing our best to keep up," she told KSL.
Proceeds raised from the "Walk In Their Shoes" event will go toward the different services provided at the center.
"Every step tells a story. Every stride shows support. And every person who shows up makes an impact," the organization said in a Facebook post.
Those who want to participate in the race can register up until the day of the event — volunteers are also needed. Check-in is at 6:30 p.m., and the race starts at 7 p.m.
