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Carole Mikita ReportingThe number of domestic violence cases in Utah has risen steadily over the past several years, but some organizations and individuals intervened to stop perpetrators and help the victims. They received the Peace on Earth Awards today.
The Salt Lake Area Domestic Violence Coalition held the 7th annual awards ceremony to honor those who go above and beyond the call of duty to either protect the innocent or hold abusers accountable.
Dad, me, blood... a child's drawing expresses her life.
Another scribbles the fear in one picture and then the relief after help arrived in another.
Those who work to help victims of domestic violence say it is not personal, it involves everyone. One in five women in our state has called the police about abuse.
A coalition of groups gathered to recognize those who make a difference, who make lives better-- the recipients of the Peace on Earth Awards.
The Good Samaritan Award went to a group of friends who were playing basketball at an LDS meetinghouse one morning but ran to the rescue of a woman, whose husband was beating her in the parking lot. They held him and watched over her until AirMed arrived.
Greg Anderson, 'Good Samaritan Award' recipient: "I guess the thing that really triggered it was I saw the guy throw the girl down to the ground; that's when I grabbed the guys and said, "let's go out" and we went out and took care of business."
Honored today with the Empowerment Award for giving countless hours to help those who have suffered abuse, Ricki Landers knows of what she speaks. She is a survivor of domestic violence.
Ricki Landers, WVC Victim Services Volunteer: "Get help. It's so important to get help and to know what your resources are out there. Call 911. Get out of the situation because it doesn't pay to stay in it."
The Domestic Violence Coalition is made up of organizations and individuals united in a cause. Even with today's good news, they know they still have a lot of work to do.
Velda McDonald, SL Area Domestic Violence Coalition: "We had 33 deaths in Salt Lake City, well, in Utah last year from domestic violence and that's ten more than we had the year before, so it has become epidemic."
All of the people in this story are concerned about people who need help. If you are in immediate danger, call 911. If you are experiencing any kind of abuse call the Domestic Abuse hotline at 1-800-897-5465.
