Police protocol changes from 2023 advocate for shelter resources and connections for victims of domestic violence. As a result, Utah lawmaker Rep. Gay Lynn Bennion, is sponsoring a budget request for an extra $1 million per year to help meet the demand.
Utah law SB0117 says that police must use a danger assessment when responding to domestic violence. For high risk situations, police must place an immediate call to domestic violence advocates.
In 2024, a year after the mandate was put into effect, the number of advocate referrals doubled, according to the Utah Domestic Violence Coalition. While lawmakers anticipated an increase in demand, Bennion says “That’s tremendous that we are able to help them, but we want to fully support them.”
The original increase prompted lawmakers to set aside $6 million for domestic violence services. However, this year’s request would add another $1.4 million per year into the budget shared by groups helping victims throughout the state.
“I hope they will step up and fund this fully,” says Bennion. “I hope we can do that. Because we are a state that values our families.”
The proposed budget increase could be passed if representatives feel the project does not offer full support to victims. Victims in this case would have access to support services, but would not have access to emergency shelter.
For more information regarding current legislation and state events, check out SUUNews. State lawmakers’ contact information can also be found on the Utah State Legislature website.
Author: Tallon Taylor
Photo courtesy of SUU
Editor: Anna Mower
news@suunews.net
