April Newsletter

We have an exciting announcement!
As we welcome a new season of growth and change, Peace House Executive Director Kendra Wyckoff announces the nonprofit organization’s new vision and mission statements today, reflecting a process of shared strategic reflection by Peace House staff and the Board of Directors. After 25 years of serving families affected by domestic violence, Peace House is working to address gaps in services and support for sexual assault survivors.

In April 2019, Wasatch Forensic Nurses approached Peace House to provide a hospital advocacy response team. Forensic nurses provide medical and forensic exam care while an advocate attends the exam to provide emotional support, information, and resources. At that time, victims of sexual assault in Summit County were being referred to Salt Lake valley hospitals or clinics for forensic exams, creating additional barriers for survivors in accessing critical care or evidence collection after a rape or assault.

As an established victim-services organization with many programs designed to support domestic violence victims who experience sexual assault, Peace House had the skills to expand and develop a sexual assault advocacy program aimed at addressing the specific needs of victims in our community.

The development of this integral program drove Peace House to broaden its mission and vision statements to encompass victims of interpersonal violence. Wyckoff says, “Providing survivors with safe, healing, and empowering support will always be the top priority for Peace House, and the emphasis on interpersonal violence and abuse communicates that Peace House is here to help BOTH domestic violence and sexual assault victims.”

We look forward to your ongoing support and partnership in fulfilling our mission: to end interpersonal violence and abuse and empower survivors to heal and thrive by providing support services, safe housing, and prevention education. Each and every one of you has been an integral part of the continued growth of our life-saving and life-changing programs.

Important Events
4/28 7:00–9:00 PM. Showing of the film Surviving Sex Trafficking, directed by Sadhvi Siddhali Shree, at the Jim Santy Auditorium. Presented with Peace House as part of the Reel Community Series, with additional support from Summit County RAP Tax. Thanks to Utah Film Studios and Crandall Capital for sponsoring this event. Watch the Trailer: Stopping Sex Trafficking Official Trailer

Safety
We believe in the right of all persons to live safely without fear, abuse, coercion, oppression, and violence. We are committed to providing a safe, peaceful environment for our clients, staff, and volunteers.

Empowerment
Our work is guided and centered by the voices and experiences of survivors. We are committed to the empowerment and self-determination of survivors through compassionate, trauma-informed care without shame or stigma.

Education and Awareness
We believe that prevention education and awareness, especially for our youth, are fundamental to ending interpersonal violence and abuse in our communities.

Diversity and Equity
We are dedicated to treating all people with dignity, compassion, and respect. We embrace and celebrate unique and diverse experiences and perspectives. We are committed to eliminating discrimination and oppression in all forms.

Confidentiality
We are committed to working within strict confidentiality guidelines to safeguard the privacy and personal information of our clients, staff, and supporters.*

Innovation
We are dedicated to continuously learning, innovating, and evolving our programs and services to respond to changing needs and new opportunities to further advance our mission and vision.

Collaboration
We believe that our mission is amplified through an extensive network of community partners, working collaboratively to achieve the broadest impact.

Free Access to Services
We value and rely upon the generous support of our community to ensure free access to emergency shelter and support services for all survivors of interpersonal violence and abuse.

*Peace House advocates are subject to mandatory reporting laws usually affecting those younger than 18 of age, those older than 65 years of age and dependent adults.