The Refuge Utah: Providing support to victims of sexual violence
Studies have shown that in Utah one in six women and one in 25 men experience sexual assault or attempted rape in their lifetime. Nearly one in three women will experience some form of sexual violence in their lives.
The Refuge Utah is a nonprofit organization based out of Orem that provides compassionate, comprehensive, and free services to survivors of sexual assault and domestic violence to individuals in Wasatch, Utah, and Juab Counties.
The Refuge Utah provides a 24-hour crisis line for survivors and their support people. Part of that support includes a hospital response team made up of knowledgeable and compassionate advocates who can assist survivors during a medical forensic exam at the hospital. These exams are completed by a specially-trained forensic nurse who will address any injuries sustained from the assault. The nurse will also go over medication options for STIs and prevention of any unwanted pregnancy, and collect DNA and forensic evidence for possible prosecution. These exams can be done at any local ER and costs may be covered.
The Refuge Utah provides follow-up services that include group and individual therapy, as well as an educational support class for survivors of sexual assault and their supporters. This class is open to the public every Wednesday night at 7 p.m. for English speakers and at 8 p.m. for Spanish speakers. Classes take place at The Refuge Outreach Office at 1433 East 840 North in Orem. There is also a Zoom option for those who are unable to attend the educational support class in person, (Zoom ID 413 427 8727).
If you or someone you know has experienced sexual violence, The Refuge Utah is here to help. Abuse is never acceptable. We believe you. You are not alone.
Our 24/7 crisis hotline for sexual assault is 801-356-2511, and for domestic violence, call 801-377-5500.
For more information visit therefugeutah.org and or go to @therefugeutah on Instagram. Those who are able, can also donate by going to therefugeutah.org/donation. There is also an option to donate through AmazonSmile Charity by selecting The Refuge Utah.
Submitted By Katelynn Blair
You are experiencing sexual abuse if someone:
– touches you when you don’t want to be touched
– pressures or threatens you into a sexual relationship
– accuses you of being prude, frigid, unfaithful, or brags about your sexual relationship in order to embarrass you
– forces you to do anything sexual you don’t want to do
– does anything sexual in your presence without your consent
You are experiencing domestic violence if your partner:
– Slaps, punches, kicks, bites, chokes, pulls your hair, or burns you
– Tries to make you have sex when you don’t want to
– Calls you obscene names
– Tries to keep you from seeing family or friends
– Controls the family money so that you have to account for every penny or beg for money
– Threatens to harm you, your children or him/her self
