– The communities of Hildale and Colorado City are coming together this month to stand in solidarity with survivors and advocates as they observe Domestic Violence Awareness Month (DVAM) throughout October.
The observances are marked by official proclamations from both city governments, a tradition of several years in Hildale and a first for Colorado City, a growing commitment to community safety and ending abuse in the region.
A Stand Against Violence
While the City of Hildale will hold its official proclamation on Wednesday, October 15, continuing a commitment established in previous years, Colorado City will mark its first proclamation on Monday, October 20. All community members are welcome to attend both public events to support these public commitments.
Hildale Mayor Donia Jessop’s proclamation, issued in partnership with the DOVE Center, highlights the stark reality of the issue, particularly in Utah:
1 in 3 women and 1 in 7 men in Utah will experience intimate partner violence in their lifetime.
Domestic violence-related homicides account for over 40% of all homicides in the state.
60-75% of families with intimate partner violence have children who are also affected.
The proclamation declares that it is “a basic human right to live a life free from violence and abuse” and urges all residents to “use October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month to learn how they can break the silence and end domestic violence in our community.”
Awareness is the First Step
This collective effort is championed by organizations such as Cherish Families and the Utah Domestic Violence Coalition (UDVC). Alina Darger, the Executive Director of Cherish Families, emphasized the critical need for public engagement, stating:
“Domestic violence thrives in silence and lack of understanding. Awareness is the first step toward change. This month let’s listen, learn, understand and act—because safety and respect are everyone’s right.”
The UDVC works to end domestic violence in Utah through advocacy, education, collaboration, and leadership, with a vision for “a world where all individuals and families live free from violence—safe, empowered, and hopeful.”
Take Part in Purple Thursday
Community members are encouraged to join the national awareness effort by participating in Purple Thursday on October 16. Purple is the symbolic color of DVAM. Residents can show their support by wearing purple and using the hashtags #DVAM and #Every1KnowsSome1 on social media to help break the cycle of silence.
Domestic Violence Awareness Month is a crucial time to educate the public about abuse, uplift survivors, and spotlight the resources available to those in need. The twin cities’ joint commitment sends a clear message that support is available and that the entire community is dedicating itself to a future free from violence.
Need Help? Confidential Resources are Available.
If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, confidential help and support services are available 24/7.
Cherish Families provides advocacy, support, and resources to local residents.
Phone: (928) 875-0969 (General Inquiries/Support)
Utah Domestic Violence LINK Line (Statewide 24/7 Crisis Line)
Call or Text: 1-800-897-LINK (5465)
National Domestic Violence Hotline
Call: 1-800-799-SAFE (7233)
Text: START to 88788
In an immediate life-threatening emergency, call 911.
