Utah Domestic Violence Help & Quick Safety Tools

DV resources in Utah including shelters, hotlines, and simplified step-by-step safety checklists.

Utah Domestic Violence: Immediate Help, Digital Safety, and Leaving Quickly

1. Immediate Help Options in Utah

This section outlines practical options people in Utah sometimes use when they want help with relationship harm or control.

1.1 Phone and In-Person Help Options

• Contact local law enforcement if you want police involvement, for example:
  • Call 911 from a phone, landline, or some internet calling services.
  • Say your location first, in case the call disconnects.
  • Use brief, simple language about what is happening and if anyone has weapons.
• Use non-emergency police lines when there is no immediate danger but you want to:
  • Ask about making a report.
  • Request a welfare check on someone else.
  • Ask about local victim services connected to the department.
• Consider contacting a local domestic violence shelter or advocacy program to:
  • Ask about available shelter beds or hotel-voucher programs.
  • Request safety planning over the phone or in person.
  • Ask what documents or items they suggest bringing if you can.

1.2 If You Cannot Safely Call

• Consider text-based or online chat options offered by some victim service agencies or national hotlines, if it is safe on your device.
• Use a trusted person’s phone or device if using your own feels unsafe.
• Go to a public place that typically has staff, cameras, or security nearby, such as:
  • Hospitals or urgent care centers
  • Some community centers or libraries
  • Police stations or sheriff’s offices
• If you choose to talk to hospital or medical staff, you may ask if they have on-site victim advocates or access to one by phone.

Additional tools and professional supports can also be found through information listed at DV.Support, including options that may connect people in Utah with trained advocates.

2. Digital Safety Basics in Utah

Digital safety steps are similar across states. These basics focus on reducing the chance that someone else can see what you are doing or track your location.

2.1 Phones and Location

• Check location services on your phone:
  • Review which apps can access GPS or location.
  • Turn off location sharing with individuals on apps like maps, messaging, or social media.
  • Look for “Find My Device” or similar features and see which accounts are connected.
• If you share a cloud account (Apple ID, Google account, etc.):
  • Know that messages, photos, and locations can sometimes sync across devices.
  • Consider signing out of shared accounts on devices you control, if safe.
  • Avoid changing passwords on a device the other person may still access.
• Be cautious with new or unexpected devices:
  • AirTags or other tracking devices placed in bags or vehicles.
  • Car apps that show location, mileage, or routes.
  • Shared family tracking apps on phones.

2.2 Browsers, Search History, and Apps

• Use private or incognito browsing when searching for help:
  • Prevents new history from being saved on that device session.
  • Does not erase older history already saved.
• Check your browser:
  • Look at “History” to see what has been recorded.
  • Only delete specific entries or all history if this will not raise questions.
• Review apps installed on your phone:
  • Look for apps you do not recognize, especially with access to location, camera, or microphone.
  • Check app permissions (location, contacts, microphone, camera).
• Be careful with email access:
  • Assume that if the other person knows your email password, they might see communications.
  • Use a new email for planning and support, created on a device the other person cannot access, if possible.

2.3 Social Media and Communication

• Review privacy settings on social media accounts:
  • Limit who can see posts, check-ins, and tagged locations.
  • Turn off automatic check-ins or location tagging on photos.
• Look at who has access to your accounts:
  • Devices listed as “logged in” on account security pages.
  • Trusted contacts or recovery contacts who could reset your password.
• Use neutral language in messages if you are unsure who might read them later.
• Consider using code words with trusted people for:
  • “I need you to call me.”
  • “Please contact law enforcement.”
  • “I need a place to go right now.”

3. Leaving Quickly: Practical Checklist

This checklist is for situations where someone in Utah is considering leaving a harmful relationship with little or no notice. Not everyone will be able to do all of these items, and leaving without any belongings is also a valid option.

3.1 Time-Check: How Much Time Do You Have?

• If you have only a few minutes, focus on:
  • Identification.
  • Medication.
  • Keys.
  • Any children or dependents and their essentials.
• If you have a few hours, you can consider:
  • More documents.
  • Some clothing and basic supplies.
  • Copies (paper or photos) of important records.

3.2 High-Priority Items (If You Can Safely Take Them)

• Identification and essential documents:
  • Driver’s license or state ID (Utah or other state).
  • Passports for you and children.
  • Birth certificates and Social Security cards.
  • Immigration or residency documents.
  • Any protection orders or court documents.
  • Health insurance cards.
• Money and access to funds:
  • Cash in small bills.
  • Debit and credit cards.
  • Prepaid card if you have one in your name only.
• Medical and daily needs:
  • Prescription medications and copies of prescriptions.
  • Glasses, contacts, hearing aids, mobility devices.
  • Basic hygiene items (toothbrush, small soap, menstrual products).
• Keys and access devices:
  • House, car, and mailbox keys.
  • Key fobs, access cards, or garage openers.

3.3 Information to Bring or Record

• Written or photographed copies of:
  • Important phone numbers (in case you lose your phone).
  • Work information (supervisor name and number).
  • Children’s school or daycare details.
  • Primary healthcare providers’ names and locations.
• Financial and practical details:
  • Bank name and last few digits of accounts.
  • Vehicle information (make, model, license plate, VIN if available).
  • Any government benefit case numbers you know.
• Evidence you may want later, if accessible and safe:
  • Photos of injuries or property damage (stored in a safe location).
  • Copies of threatening messages or emails.
  • Notes about previous incidents, with approximate dates and locations.

3.4 Safety Considerations When Leaving

• Timing:
  • Consider leaving when the other person is likely to be away from the home.
  • If using a vehicle, check that you have enough fuel or transit fare.
• Route:
  • Decide in advance where you will go first (friend, family, hotel, shelter, public place).
  • Plan at least two possible routes in case one is blocked or feels unsafe.
• Devices:
  • Turn off location sharing if this can be done without notice.
  • Consider leaving behind shared devices that might be tracked (tablets, smartwatches) if that feels safer.
• Children and dependents:
  • Have a simple, age-appropriate explanation ready, if needed.
  • Pack one small comfort item for each child if possible.

3.5 If You Leave With Very Little

• Focus on reaching a safer location first, such as:
  • A trusted friend or family member’s home.
  • A domestic violence shelter or program in Utah.
  • A public place where you can make calls or access Wi‑Fi.
• Once in a safer place, you can consider:
  • Contacting local programs for emergency clothing, food, or transportation assistance.
  • Asking about replacement IDs at state or local offices.
  • Exploring legal information resources about custody, housing, or protection orders specific to Utah.

Recommended Articles

• Safety Planning Checklist
• Digital Safety and Tech Abuse
• Leaving Quickly Essentials Checklist
• Gathering Evidence
• Protecting Your Privacy Online