Dove Center releases domestic violence awareness video

ST. GEORGE — October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month and the Dove Center, Southern Utah’s local provider of shelter and outreach services for victims of domestic violence, unveiled a new video Wednesday “Breaking the Silence – Making the Difference in Our Community” on the center’s YouTube channel – also included top of this report.

“I challenge you all to please watch and share this video with at least one other person, if not many,” said Lindsey Boyer, executive director of the Dove Center. “You never know who might be waiting silently for this lifeline.”

The video is aimed at preserving the history of the center, raising awareness of the scourge of domestic violence and asking for support for Dove Center programs.

The video is the organization’s first effort in raising awareness through multimedia communications.

“I am beyond grateful and excited about the volunteer time and energy that went into getting this project ready for Domestic Violence Awareness Month,” Boyer said. “What a gift it is for our community to see and hear about the many collective efforts that give a voice to the silence of abuse.”

Domestic violence is a complex problem in our society and more common than many realize, said a press release by the center. In the United States, one in four women will experience domestic violence in her lifetime; and three women are killed every day by a current or former intimate partner, said the Domestic Violence Resource Center.

As alarming as that is, it is worse for women in Utah where the rate of violence against women is one in three, said a report “Domestic Violence Fatalities in Utah” issued 2003-2008 by the Utah Department of Health. There are one domestic violence homicides per month in Utah.

“I think this video is important because of the need for education and simple awareness in our community,” said Shonie Christensen, a Dove Center trustee and video participant. “If more people are aware and educated on the services Dove Center provides, then it is more likely that they will be able to help someone in need. You never know who you may inspire to break the silence by just saying, ‘DOVE Center can help you.’”

Shane Brown, a St. George independent filmmaker, produced the video.

“Shane’s talents were crucial to the creation and execution of this project that started simply as a ‘wouldn’t it be wonderful if…’ conversation,” said Ruth Weniger, chair of Dove’s marketing and communications committee.

“I am glad for the opportunity to share my time and talents with DOVE Center,” Brown said.

Resources

  • If you or a loved one is in need of information or resources concerning domestic violence, please call the Dove Center’s 24-hour help line, 435-628-0458
  • Dove Center website | 435-628-1204

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1 Comment

  • anybody home October 15, 2015 at 7:32 pm

    A good story and video about the elephant in the St. George room, the elephant in the Utah room. Speaking from experience, personal experience, I know that certain aspects of domestic violence are built into a patriarchal culture/religion. Even men who are not part of that religion seem to have adopted many of the attitudes toward women. It’s an act of bravery for any woman to leave such a situation and it’s wonderful that place like Dove Center exist to help.

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