Victims' advocates are demanding more money for shelters

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Lori Prichard reportingMost homicides in Utah are related to domestic violence. Victims' advocates are demanding legislators give women the help they need to survive those odds.

The most recent and tragic case of domestic violence involves Kristy Ragsdale. Witnesses say she was shot and killed by her husband in a church parking lot in Lehi.

Kristy Ragsdale is just one example of domestic violence, but there are so many others. That's why these advocates want more money to keep these women safe and alive.

Kristy Ragsdale and Patricia Rothermich died from what police believe to be domestic violence.

At the State Capitol today, victims' advocates said, "enough." Oftentimes when women do leave, they go to shelters for help. Now, the shelters need the help. Ned Searle of the Office on Domestic and Sexual Violence said, "Domestic violence shelters have not received state funding for, we figure, about eight years."

Today the Division of Child and Family Services (DCFS) asked legislators for an extra $400,000 to help run those shelters. Judy Kasten Bell of the Utah Domestic Violence Council said, "People have to pay attention to the fact these shelters are seven days a week, 24 hours a day, and those costs are increasing." So is the need for shelters.

According to the governor's office, domestic violence is one of the fastest-growing violent crimes in the state. "That's why it's important for us to receive this funding," said Searle. "That's why it's important for friends and neighbors to become educated about what family violence is and what domestic violence is, so they know how to intervene and help these individuals who need to be safe."

Right now, the bill to increase funding is before the Joint Health and Human Services Appropriations Subcommittee. No action was taken today. We'll keep you posted if the funding is pushed through.