The Hidden Epidemic: A Closer Look at Domestic Violence in Our Communities

Every year, in October, communities across the nation observe Domestic Violence Awareness Month (DVAM) to raise awareness, show support for survivors, and advocate for violence prevention.

At the University of Utah, we are committed to fostering a campus environment where everyone feels safe, respected, and heard. As a Peer Wellbeing Ambassador at the Center for Campus Wellness, I look forward to highlighting a few resources, not only from our office, but all around campus that can provide you, or someone you know, with critical support in times of need.

What is domestic violence?

Before we dive into raising awareness, it’s important to clarify and break down some of the stigma and misunderstandings around domestic violence. It is a much broader phenomenon than most of us think: it includes emotional, psychological, sexual, physical and financial abuse.

It isn't limited to physical violence, and also doesn't have to involve someone you're dating. 

In a campus environment, domestic violence can also look like dating violence, stalking, or digital abuse, such as controlling texts or threats via social media.

What are the warning signs of domestic violence?

Abuse can be hard to spot, especially when it’s not physical. Watch out for these red flags in relationships:

• Constant jealousy or possessiveness
• Dismissal of feelings
• Emotional blackmail
• Love bombing
• Isolation from friends or family
• Gaslighting or manipulation
• Threats or intimidation
• Monitoring of your phone, e-mail, or social media.

“If something feels off, trust your gut and reach out.”

This sentence holds immense power. Our intuition is often our first alarm bell, nudging us when things aren't right - whether in relationships, friendships, or even in our own sense of safety. I’ve learned that listening to that inner voice isn’t just about self-preservation; it’s about honoring our worth and validating our feelings, even when others might dismiss them. 

Working on this campaign, I’ve learned to appreciate how raising awareness helps people come forward and feel empowered to share their own stories, without any guilt, shame, or isolation. 

Domestic violence isn’t a “private issue” — it’s a threat to public health affecting every race, gender, and age, and yet the stigma and barriers to seeking help remain pervasive. That’s why I believe this issue demands our action—not only through raising awareness but by fostering empathy, educating ourselves and others, and advocating for accessible support systems. 

Who is impacted by domestic violence?

There is an unfortunate perception that domestic violence only occurs in certain types of populations, and that couldn't be further from the truth. Domestic violence affects all populations, regardless of gender, age, race, and this stereotype often makes it harder for survivors to seek support.

Recent data from the National Domestic Violence Hotline shows that all genders experience domestic violence, yet some are are significantly more likely to be exposed to harm than others:

• 1 in 2 women and 2 in 5 men in the U.S. have experienced some form of physical violence by their intimate partner. 
• Gender diverse individuals experience violence at alarmingly higher rates.
  • Trans men had nearly 10 times the risk of physical violence compared to cisgender women
  • Nonbinary individuals had a 3.3 times higher risk of sexual violence (JAMA Netw Open, 2024)

It's important to recognize that reports of violence are even higher among young adults ages 18 to 24 years old, and we see these national patterns rippling across our campus as well.

According to the results of the Campus Safety Report conducted annually by the Department of Public Safety, there were 158 reported cases of dating violence at the University of Utah in 2024. This report also found that the incidence of stalking on or near campus increased nearly 70% from 2022 to 2023.

These data highlight a critical need to build a supportive community and empower people to reach out for help, as it can transform, and in some cases, save the life of survivors. The theme for this year's Domestic Violence Awareness Month is #CallForUnity, inviting everyone to be active participants in the fight against abuse, showing that a compassionate community can be a lifeline for those who feel isolated or trapped.

Join the #CallForUnity

Whether you’re offering a listening ear, educating yourself and others, or supporting survivors, your actions can transform lives. 

How can I help?

1. Support Survivors in Your Community: If you know someone who may be experiencing domestic violence, offer your support in a safe, non-judgmental way. Encourage them to seek help, whether through the National Domestic Violence Hotline or local resources like our Violence and Harm Support program at the Center for Campus Wellness. Sometimes, just being there and showing concern can make all the difference.
2. Educate Yourself and Others: Knowledge is a powerful tool in breaking the cycle of domestic violence. Take the time to learn about the signs of abuse, the dynamics of power and control, and how to recognize when someone may need help. The McCluskey Center for Violence is a hub of knowledge where students attend workshops to learn about harm, identify when they have caused harm, and build skills to prevent violence on campus.
3. Donate to Support Services: Many organizations, including the National Domestic Violence Hotline, rely on donations to fund their work. You can directly support survivors at the University of Utah by making a gift to the Victim Survivor Advocacy program, an on-campus service that offers emergency assistance, housing, and legal support, amongst many other services to survivors of abuse, violence, or harm.

Let this month serve as a reminder that we are all part of the solution—no act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted. Keep shining a light on domestic violence, and continue to stand up for those who need us most!

Here’s a look at some of our upcoming events: