Abuse can take many forms—physical, sexual, emotional, technological, and economic—but all share the same goal: to gain power and control. You are not to blame for the abuse you’ve experienced, and you are not alone. Whether the harm is recent or in the past, help is available 24/7. At Peace House, we believe every person deserves safety, healing, and hope. By learning to recognize the patterns and risk factors of abuse, you can take steps toward safety and healing.
We’re here to listen, believe, and support you on your journey forward.
Know Abuse
INTERPERSONAL VIOLENCE
Interpersonal violence is a pattern of behaviors—physical, sexual, emotional, technological, and economic—used to gain power and control in families and relationships. Abuse can affect anyone. You do not need bruises or criminal charges to deserve help. 24/7 Peace House Helpline
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Domestic/Intimate Partner Violence is ongoing coercive control that may include intimidation, threats, isolation, monitoring of devices/locations, financial control, reproductive coercion, stalking, and physical or sexual harm. It impacts people of every gender, culture, and income level, whether married, dating, or separated. Abuse is never your fault.
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Some red flags may signal higher risk of serious harm, including:
Non-fatal strangulation (even once, even without visible injury)
Guns or weapons present, threats with weapons, or threats to kill
Separation/break-ups, escalating jealousy, stalking
Forced sex or escalating sexual violence
If any of these are present, please contact our helpline to safety-plan around firearms, technology, children/pets, and daily routines.
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Abuse can be subtle or obvious. Common patterns may include: isolation from support, controlling access to money/transportation/medications/immigration documents, monitoring tech or accounts, repeated threats, or forced sex. If you’re feeling afraid, controlled, or constantly “walking on eggshells,” reach out. The abuse you have experienced might look different than anything mentioned above. We believe you and our resources are here to help you understand safety risks.
SEXUAL ASSAULT
Key Things to Know — for Survivors, Loved Ones, and Caregivers
Sexual assault is any sexual contact without consent. Survivors react in many ways—all responses are valid. Whatever you’re feeling (or not feeling) right now, you deserve safety and support.
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Medical care & forensic exam (often free): You can be treated for injuries, receive emergency medications or STI prevention, and—if you choose—have evidence collected without deciding today whether to involve police.
Advocates: A trained advocate can meet you at the hospital or talk by phone/text to explain rights and paperwork and stay with you during exams or interviews.
24/7 Confidential Help (Utah statewide)—800-897-5465
Utah Sexual Violence Help Line—801-736-4356 (English) DPS–State Bureau of Investigation
Utah Línea de Apoyo contra la Agresión Sexual—801-924-0860 (Español) DPS–State Bureau of Investigation
24/7 Peace House Helpline—800-647-9161
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You decide what healing and justice look like—now or later. Possible paths include:
Confidential Advocacy—Non-judgmental listening, safety planning, and help navigating choices
Counseling / Support Groups—Trauma-informed therapy; peer connection
Medical Care—Follow-up health visits; specialized trauma services
Protective Orders—Civil orders that restrict contact or harassment
Campus / Workplace Processes—Title IX or HR accommodations and investigations
Law-Enforcement Report—Criminal investigation (you can request an advocate to support you with this process)
You can choose one, many, or none of these options and change your mind at any time. We’ll walk through each step and support your decisions.
If You’re Supporting a Child or Teen
Believe them and thank them for telling you.
Avoid detailed questioning—leave fact-finding to trained professionals.
Contact us or your local Child Advocacy Center for:
A child-friendly medical exam by trauma-informed clinicians
Forensic interviewing in a safe setting
Counseling for the child and support for caregivers
Caregivers deserve help, too—our advocates can connect you with counseling, resources, and legal guidance.
Resources & Information
This section provides clear, practical information about domestic violence and sexual assault. Whether you are a survivor, a family member, or a friend, you’ll find resources that support both prevention and intervention. Our goal is to help you recognize abuse, stay safe, and find pathways to healing and support.
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Worried about someone checking your device?
Use “Exit Site” to leave quickly.
Consider a private/Incognito window or a device the person can’t access.
Tech safety steps are most effective when personalized—we can help.
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We use “survivor,” and we honor whichever term you prefer. Early laws and court systems used “victim” to describe anyone harmed by a crime; the term still appears in police reports and legal documents. Over time, advocates began saying “survivor” to highlight strength, agency, and ongoing healing—not just the harm itself. We follow that advocacy tradition and typically use survivor on this site.
That said, language is personal. If victim, survivor, or no label at all feels more accurate for you, let us know and we will honor your choice.
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Most conversations with Peace House advocates are confidential under federal VAWA/FVPSA rules and Utah Code §77-38-204 (victim-advocate privilege)
We will only share information if any of these apply:
Mandatory reporting of suspected child abuse, elder abuse, or abuse of a vulnerable adult.
Serious, immediate threat to your life or someone else’s.
Court order requiring release of specific records (we’ll let you know first whenever legally allowed)
How we protect your privacy: secure, password-protected records; no caller I.D. on the help line; and options to use a nickname or no name at all when you reach out.
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We welcome everyone and work to remove practical barriers to care:
Free language interpreters – If English isn’t your first language, we’ll connect you with a professional interpreter (by phone or in person) at no cost, so you can speak in the language you’re most comfortable with.
American Sign Language (ASL) – If you use ASL, we’ll arrange a qualified interpreter—also free—to sign the conversation.
Step-free entry and indoor routes – You can reach every service area without stairs, whether you use a wheelchair, walker, cane, or stroller.
Alternative formats on request – Let us know what you need (large print, screen-reader-friendly files, or other formats), and we’ll provide it with reasonable advance notice.
Low-sensory rooms – Quiet, softly lit spaces can be set up if you’re sensitive to noise, light, or crowds.
Community-specific support – We can connect you with Tribal, Latinx, LGBTQIA+, disability-focused, or other culturally specific advocates if you prefer.
No civil-status barriers – Services are available regardless of immigration status. We do not require a Social Security number to begin assistance, and all support is provided in accordance with federal and state civil laws. When requested, we can refer you to qualified attorneys for immigration inquiries outside our scope.
Statement on Mandatory Reporting
Utah law requires any person who has reason to believe that a child or vulnerable adult (an elderly individual or an individual with disabilities) has been subjected to abuse, neglect, or exploitation to immediately notify the nearest office of Child and Family Services, a peace officer, or a law enforcement agency. Abuse, neglect, or exploitation of a child or vulnerable adult can be physical, emotional, or sexual.
Get Help
We are always here. Trained advocates are available 24/7 to give you support and guidance. There is no cost, no judgment—just help.