Signs of Domestic Violence: Rates Are Higher in Utah

Domestic violence is a serious concern, and in Utah, the rates of domestic violence remain higher than the national average. According to the Utah Department of Health’s Violence and Injury Prevention Program, intimate partner violence accounts for a significant share of homicides in the state, with 22.7% of Utah homicide victims killed in intimate partner or domestic-violence-related incidents. Because domestic violence often begins with non-violent acts, here are three signs of domestic violence that you should know if you live in Salt Lake City and worry you may be a victim. Many of these warning signs overlap with what experts now describe as coercive control, a pattern Utah courts increasingly recognize in custody and protective order cases.

1. Your Partner Threatens You

Person showing signs of fear and intimidation, illustration for domestic violence article If your partner threatens you with physical violence or with your life, then domestic abuse is occurring. Threats can be purely verbal in nature or can be issued while you are also being physically threatened with a dangerous object, such as a knife, gun, or another object that could cause you physical harm. Threatening to take away your children is also a sign of domestic violence.

2. Your Partner Controls Where You Go and with Whom You Spend Time

If your partner is very controlling about with whom you spend time and where you go, he or she may have violent tendencies as well. This is especially true if your partner attempts to restrain you, or threatens consequences if you go somewhere or do something without his or her permission.

3. Your Partner Is Physical With You

If your partner is physical with you in any way that is not consensual, even if it does not cause you permanent harm, you may be a victim of domestic violence. This includes:

pulling your hair
slapping your face
pinching you
forcing you to participate in sexual acts against your will
restraining you
spitting in your face
choking you
hitting you with an object
and others.

What to Do If You Are a Victim of Domestic Violence in Salt Lake City

Adult survivor reflecting alone, illustration for domestic violence support resources Contact the Utah Domestic Violence Coalition if you are a victim of domestic violence, or if someone you know is a victim. If you are a victim of domestic violence in Salt Lake City, family law attorney Jill Coil at CoilLaw can help. Jill is an experienced family law attorney who can help you file a domestic violence protective order, but she can also help you gain custody of your children, file for divorce, and recover temporary spousal support as well. Contact us at (801) 884-3775.