Leslie Morgan Steiner is an author, consultant, and thought leader on women’s leadership, work-life balance, inspirational parenting, overcoming adversity, and surviving violence against women. She recently completed her fourth nonfiction work, The Naked Truth, a memoir that explores female aging and sexuality after motherhood and divorce. Her 2009 memoir about surviving domestic violence, Crazy Love, was a New York Times bestseller, People Pick, Book of the Week for The Week magazine, and the subject of the first TED Talk by a domestic violence survivor.

Steiner has been a guest on the Today Show, National Public Radio, ABC, NBC, CBS, Fox News, MSNBC, and has been profiled by Newsweek, BusinessWeek, Elle, Parenting, Parents, Self, Glamour, Vanity Fair, The New York Times, The Los Angeles Times and The Washington Post. She holds a BA in English from Harvard College. In addition to years as a nonfiction magazine writer and editor, Steiner has an MBA degree in marketing from the Wharton School of Business. She returned to her hometown of Washington, D.C., in 2001 to become General Manager of the 1.1 million circulation Washington Post Magazine.

Over the years, she has turned her professional experience into advocacy for abused women as a spokeswoman at The Harriet Tubman Center in Minneapolis, and as a board member for The One Love Foundation and DC Volunteer Lawyers Project.

Over the last 10 years the family violence field has incorporated a trauma informed approach to its work with survivors. While making services and responses more accessible, a trauma informed lens sees the survivor from the perspective of the worst things that have happened to them.  Although trauma informed services can be helpful, it’s still limited in providing opportunities for healing as survivors rebuild their lives. In contrast, a healing centered approach  incorporates a trauma informed lens while also centering the survivor’s cultural identity and strengths. This holistic approach to advocacy creates an environment where survivors have opportunities for healing. 

These workshop sessions will explore how advocates and responders can take a healing centered approach with survivors of domestic violence. Through case studies, the presenters will examine why cultural identity is so important and explore strategies advocates may take that sustain connection and centers cultural identity and individual strengths at its foundation. Together, these strategies support healing and resilience. The workshops offer practical guidance for advocates to move toward a healing centered approach, not just trauma informed.

**THIS IS AN EXTENDED WORKSHOP offered in two parts. This Workshop will conclude at 12:30 pm. This session is appropriate for all audiences. 

Domestic violence stalkers are commonly considered to be one of the most potentially deadly offenders. Because of the high lethality rates associated with domestic violence stalkers, the response needed to help victims requires careful consideration and individualized care. This training details Utah’s definition of stalking, stalking behaviors to look for, the lethality rates in connection with domestic violence stalking, as well as specific laws put in place to aid victims, and actions individuals can take to ensure the victim’s safety.

This session is appropriate for all audiences. 

The skillfulness with which a disclosure of violence is received can mean the difference between a victim remaining in an abusive relationship or embarking on the healing journey. “Receiving Disclosures of Abuse” explores the skills necessary to meet the needs of an individual disclosing some form of abuse, whether in a professional or personal relationship. This presentation assumes a basic understanding of the primary forms of abuse and begins with an exploration of vulnerability and empathy based on the research of Brene’ Brown. Active listening skills are examined as a critical tool in connecting with victims and understanding their needs. Learn the importance of an affirming, confidential response. Individuals receiving abuse disclosures, may experience dual sometimes conflicting responsibilities between mandatory reporting and confidentiality. Information to assist in navigating this conflict is provided. Post- disclosure tools are provided. This includes resources and safety planning for children and adults as well as some basic technology safety tools.

This session is appropriate for all audiences. 

Over the last 10 years the family violence field has incorporated a trauma informed approach to its work with survivors. While making services and responses more accessible, a trauma informed lens sees the survivor from the perspective of the worst things that have happened to them.  Although trauma informed services can be helpful, it’s still limited in providing opportunities for healing as survivors rebuild their lives. In contrast, a healing centered approach incorporates a trauma informed lens while also centering the survivor’s cultural identity and strengths. This holistic approach to advocacy creates an environment where survivors have opportunities for healing. 

This extended workshop will explore how advocates and responders can take a healing centered approach with survivors of domestic violence. Through case studies, the presenters will examine why cultural identity is so important and explore strategies advocates may take that sustain connection and centers cultural identity and individual strengths at its foundation. Together, these strategies support healing and resilience. The workshops offer practical guidance for advocates to move toward a healing centered approach, not just trauma informed.

**THIS IS AN EXTENDED WORKSHOP offered in two parts. This is Part 2 of the workshop. This session is appropriate for all audiences. 

One common pattern consistently seen is a lack of knowledge as to what actually constitutes domestic violence/intimate partner violence, according to the Utah State Code. Many individuals are not fully aware of what a domestic violence investigation may include and do not fully understand some of the laws that are in place for the victim both during the investigation and after. Understanding available resources such as no-contact orders, child protective orders, ex-parte protective orders, etc. can be very confusing. Having a better understanding is critical. This presentation will demonstrate the full gamut of a general law enforcement investigation from initial response to adjudication. Presenters will use a mock investigation to discuss the cohabitant abuse act, the offenses that carry a domestic violence attachment, the laws that govern interaction with police and involved parties, various court orders that could be imposed, and possible navigation through the court.

This session is appropriate for all audiences. 

Domestic violence impacts us all in some way or another. Statistically, you or someone you know is a victim of domestic violence. There are people in abusive relationships that are unsure of what to do or where to turn for help. In partnership with students studying Victimology, along with the American Fork Police Department, Bobbi has worked to create a series of videos that provide information about recognizing teen domestic violence, domestic violence, and how to get help if you or someone you know find themselves in a domestic violence relationship. She will share the background behind the creation of these videos and show them for reference.et the needs of an individual disclosing some form of abuse, whether in a professional or personal relationship.

This session is appropriate for all audiences. 

This presentation will cover three main areas. 1) An overview of the results recent BYU counter-ACE studies and its application to violence and mental health; 2) A discussion of how these results can be applied to practice settings (e.g., county health departments, counseling, therapy, non-profits, etc.) and also in the community; and 3) Provide a synthesis of some best practice efforts to reduce ACEs and increase counter-ACEs. Ultimately, we hope that participants come away with an understanding of practical solutions to addressing adverse childhood experiences and a hopeful approach to reducing poor health and improving wellbeing.

Active shooter incidents, in many cases, occur during domestic violence situations. They often have no pattern or method to the selection of victims beyond the intended target. In the middle of the chaos, anyone with the right knowledge and training can play an integral role in mitigating the impact of an active shooter incident. This scenario-based session will feature engaged discussion intended to inform participants on the best practices associated with identifying potential threats – and preparing for (and responding to) an active shooter incident. 

In this session, the presenters will show footage of active incidents of violence with images and sounds that may be emotionally triggering or disturbing. You are welcome to exit this session at any time. 

Strangulation and Interpersonal Violence (IPV), impacts all professionals working on sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence, and stalking cases. Having a good understanding of treatment protocol for the nursing process can be critical for the patient, law enforcement, victim advocates and other community partners. Join Trish as she reviews what strangulation is, why it’s  one of the most lethal forms of interpersonal violence, and why women who have been strangled are seven times more likely to become a victim of homicide (Journal of Emergency Medicine, 2008). Victims of strangulation may have no visible physical injuries - yet due to the lack of oxygen and brain damage, other severe internal injuries may occur. Additionally, she will explain what constitutes Interpersonal Violence (IPV) and how both strangulation and IPV are forms of power and control that can have both physical and psychological effects on victims. 

This session is appropriate for all audiences.  

Engaging the public is a critical piece of the fight against domestic violence. The CourtWatch Pilot Program launched in Provo in January of 2019 with a two-fold mission: 1 – increase transparency between courts and the public by collecting data on cases dealing with domestic violence and sexual assault, and 2 – increase the awareness and understanding within the community. During the year over 1000 court proceedings were observed by volunteers, and hundreds of conversations were generated. This session will share key findings and takeaways from the courts as well as the impact of the volunteer experience. Attendees will walk away with concrete tools to engage in meaningful conversations individually – or as part of an organization.

This session is appropriate for all audiences. 

During this session, Andi will review how intersectionality and privilege affects underserved survivors, focusing on the LGBTQ+ community. Specifically, this training will focus on different abuse tactics, barriers to services/how to eliminate those barriers, as well as other ways to increase accessibility for 2S & LGBTQIA+ survivors .

This session is appropriate for all audiences. 

In a world where 1-in-5 girls and 1-in-20 boys will be sexually abused before turning 18, parents and caring adults everywhere are searching for answers that will keep our children safe…and stop them from becoming a part of this terrifying statistic. Participants attending this session will be introduced to 5 simple guidelines that can help by establishing simple and effective boundaries around and within our children. Join Becky as she describes these boundaries, and how they can significantly increase safety, empowerment and provide inner peace and success.

This session is appropriate for all audiences.  

Leslie Morgan Steiner is an author, consultant, and thought leader on women’s leadership, work-life balance, inspirational parenting, overcoming adversity, and surviving violence against women. She recently completed her fourth nonfiction work, The Naked Truth, a memoir that explores female aging and sexuality after motherhood and divorce. Her 2009 memoir about surviving domestic violence, Crazy Love, was a New York Times bestseller, People Pick, Book of the Week for The Week magazine, and the subject of the first TED Talk by a domestic violence survivor.

Steiner has been a guest on the Today Show, National Public Radio, ABC, NBC, CBS, Fox News, MSNBC, and has been profiled by Newsweek, BusinessWeek, Elle, Parenting, Parents, Self, Glamour, Vanity Fair, The New York Times, The Los Angeles Times and The Washington Post. She holds a BA in English from Harvard College. In addition to years as a nonfiction magazine writer and editor, Steiner has an MBA degree in marketing from the Wharton School of Business. She returned to her hometown of Washington, D.C., in 2001 to become General Manager of the 1.1 million circulations Washington Post Magazine.

Over the years, she has turned her professional experience into advocacy for abused women as a spokeswoman at The Harriet Tubman Center in Minneapolis, and as a board member for The One Love Foundation and DC Volunteer Lawyers Project.

Olga Trujillo is a survivor of child physical, sexual abuse, and rape. These experiences created a range of mental health disorders that made her vulnerable to further victimization and unaware of the issues she had to maneuver on a daily basis. After undergoing an intense journey to understand the impact violence had on her life, she began to address the challenges she faced from Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID), Panic & Anxiety Disorders, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and Depression. In this extended workshop, Olga will bring her lived experience of violence into the room to help participants explore how they may enhance trauma-informed response. Participants will assess how they address the issues of trauma and DID and examine how to improve their responses.

**THIS IS AN EXTENDED WORKSHOP offered in two parts. This Workshop will conclude at 12:30 pm. This session is appropriate for all audiences. 

Domestic Violence leads to multiple possible mental health issues such as PTSD, anxiety, depression, and many others. It can also lead to self-blame, guilt, and shame, all of which affect an individual’s picture of themselves. This presentation will give a brief explanation of how using Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART) helps with the mental health issues that come from domestic violence, and can assist in changing the picture that survivors have of themselves - which can help them move from surviving to thriving. The Veterans Administration has recognized ART, Department of Defense, and SAMHSA as best practices for PTSD. Learn how it can benefit those you work and interact with.

This session is appropriate for all audiences. 

In a world where 1-in-5 children are sexually abused before they turn 19, parents and caring adults everywhere are searching for answers that will keep our children safe…and stop them from becoming a part of this terrifying statistic. Participants attending this session will be introduced to 5 simple guidelines that can help by establishing simple and effective boundaries around and within our children. Join Becky as she describes these boundaries, and how they can significantly increase safety, empowerment and provide inner peace and success.

This session is appropriate for all audiences. 

Engaging the public is a critical piece of the fight against domestic violence. The CourtWatch Pilot Program launched in Provo in January of 2019 with a two-fold mission: 1 – increase transparency between courts and the public by collecting data on cases dealing with domestic violence and sexual assault, and 2 – increase awareness and understanding within the community. During the year, over 1000 court proceedings were observed by volunteers, and hundreds of conversations were generated. This session will share key findings and takeaways from the courts as well as the impact of the volunteer experience. Attendees will walk away with concrete tools to engage in meaningful conversations individually – or as part of an organization.

This session is appropriate for all audiences. 

Olga Trujillo is a survivor of child physical, sexual abuse, and rape. These experiences created a range of mental health disorders that made her vulnerable to further victimization and unaware of the issues she had to maneuver on a daily basis. After undergoing an intense journey to understand the impact violence had on her life, she began to address the challenges she faced from Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID), Panic & Anxiety Disorders, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, and Depression. In this extended workshop, Olga will bring her lived experience of violence into the room to help participants explore how they may enhance trauma-informed response. Participants will assess how they address the issues of trauma and DID and examine how to improve their responses.

**THIS IS AN EXTENDED WORKSHOP offered in two parts. This is Part 2 of the workshop. This session is appropriate for all audiences. 

One common pattern consistently seen is a lack of knowledge as to what actually constitutes domestic violence/intimate partner violence, according to the Utah State Code. Many individuals are not fully aware of what a domestic violence investigation may include and do not fully understand some of the laws that are in place for the victim both during the investigation and after. Understanding available resources such as no-contact orders, child protective orders, ex-parte protective orders, etc. can be very confusing. Having a better understanding is critical. This presentation will demonstrate the full gamut of a general law enforcement investigation from initial response to adjudication. Presenters will use a mock investigation to discuss the cohabitant abuse act, the offenses that carry a domestic violence attachment, the laws that govern interaction with police and involved parties, various court orders that could be imposed, and possible navigation through the court.

This session is appropriate for all audiences. 

Strangulation and Interpersonal Violence (IPV), impacts all professionals working on sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence, and stalking cases. Having a good understanding of treatment protocol for the nursing process can be critical for the patient, law enforcement, victim advocates, and other community partners. Join Trish as she reviews what strangulation is, why it’s one of the most lethal forms of interpersonal violence, and why women who have been strangled are seven times more likely to become a victim of homicide (Journal of Emergency Medicine, 2008). Victims of strangulation may have no visible physical injuries - yet due to the lack of oxygen and brain damage, other severe internal injuries may occur. Additionally, she will explain what constitutes Interpersonal Violence (IPV) and how both strangulation and IPV are forms of power and control that can have both physical and psychological effects on victims.

This session is appropriate for all audiences. 

During this session, Andi will review how intersectionality and privilege affect underserved survivors, focusing on the LGBTQ+ community. Specifically, this training will focus on different abuse tactics, barriers to services/how to eliminate those barriers, as well as other ways to increase accessibility for 2S & LGBTQIA+ survivors.

This session is appropriate for all audiences. 

This presentation will cover three main areas. 1) An overview of the results of recent BYU counter-ACE studies and its application to violence and mental health; 2) A discussion of how these results can be applied to practice settings (e.g., county health departments, counseling, therapy, non-profits, etc.) and also in the community; and 3) Provide a synthesis of some best practice efforts to reduce ACEs and increase counter-ACEs. Ultimately, we hope that participants come away with an understanding of practical solutions to addressing adverse childhood experiences and a hopeful approach to reducing poor health and improving wellbeing.

Domestic violence stalkers are commonly considered to be one of the most potentially deadly offenders. Because of the high lethality rates associated with domestic violence stalkers, the response needed to help victims requires careful consideration and individualized care. This training details Utah’s definition of stalking, stalking behaviors to look for, the lethality rates in connection with domestic violence stalking, as well as specific laws put in place to aid victims and actions individuals can take to ensure the victim’s safety.

This session is appropriate for all audiences. 

Join Kimberli as she shares a brief personal history of experience with human trafficking, domestic violence and torture, and the resulting trauma responses. This session will cover the brain’s response to trauma – what is happening inside the brain, and during a trigger response, and what one might expect to encounter with someone in trauma. Participants will also review ways to navigate intervention and the healing journey better.

This session is appropriate for all audiences but may have particular interest for professionals and first responders.  

What is IPV (interpersonal violence)? Who is affected by IPV? How should we screen for IPV? These are all basic and fundamental questions, and it’s often assumed that the answers are common knowledge. But not everyone is as familiar as we may think. Leslie will provide answers to questions that often go unanswered. She will define IPV, and discuss the long-term mental and physical impact of IPV trauma. She will specifically address the healthcare provider’s role in screening for IPV (studies show that when screening occurs, IPV reports go up by 800%) and how to coordinate referrals to community resources. The session will also address mandatory reportable requirements when IPV is disclosed to a healthcare provider.

This session is appropriate for all audiences, but may be of particular interest to healthcare providers. 

Active shooter incidents, in many cases, occur during domestic violence situations. They often have no pattern or method to the selection of victims beyond the intended target. In the middle of the chaos, anyone with the right knowledge and training can play an integral role in mitigating the impact of an active shooter incident. This scenario-based session will feature engaged discussion intended to inform participants on the best practices associated with identifying potential threats – and preparing for (and responding to) an active shooter incident.

This session is appropriate for all audiences. 

In 2009, Audrey Prosper almost lost her life after being sexually assaulted, brutally beaten with a hammer, and ultimately set on fire by her estranged husband. Since then, Audrey made the decision to use her voice for good by speaking out and sharing the invaluable lessons she’s learned about how to thrive after violence and abuse. She also recently founded the women’s empowerment company, Your Thrive Tribe, where she educates women on how to thrive in all categories of their lives.

This presentation will give an overview of dating violence, the warning signs, and resources for help. Sariah and Ashley will provide insight into the difficult and emotionally damaging world of dating violence. They will discuss the often progressive nature of this type of abuse and how to help those seemingly trapped in this pattern of violent and destructive behavior.

Utah has a concerning rate of domestic violence-related homicide and suicide, and most cases involve occurring risk and need factors. Understanding this and knowing how to refer those at risk to resources safely is essential. A 2016 study of 10,000 Utah households found that 1 in 5 women in our state reported experiencing domestic abuse or intimate partner dating violence. Most of us, though, can’t come up with 20% of the people we know who might be in such a dangerous relationship. Victims of domestic violence are often fearful and ashamed, and may even try to hide the abuse from those around them. Join Jenn as she details the warning signs of domestic violence. She will discuss appropriate actions we can all take to assist victims in reporting and appropriately responding to this violence. This workshop will help participants spot signs that indicate a person might be in an abusive relationship and explore safe strategies to offer help. Jenn will focus on understanding the unique trauma symptoms of high-risk domestic violence and abuse. Traumatic symptoms can present various obstacles, and the risk factors for lethality can be overlooked. She will include information about how to find a range of services for those impacted by DV, whether they have intersected the criminal justice system or not.

Utah has an alarmingly high rate of domestic violence murders. Domestic Torts is a relatively new, but quickly exploding are of the law that provides powerful legal solutions for clients who want to take action after being victims of crimes – particularly within the family. In this presentation, Keith will take the audience through the history of domestic violence in popular culture, state, and national laws and the various US court systems. He will provide strategies and guidelines on how to use current laws to hold abusers financially accountable, even when the abuser may have escaped criminal accountability. Brandon will take the audience through the worst of domestic violence torts: domestic violence murder. He will show how an abuser can profit from murder and how law enforcement, prosecutors, the family of the victim, and civil attorneys can work together to prevent and stop the killer from being able to profit from the murder.

Domestic Violence dramatically impacts the lives of those experiencing it. When the violence has a lasting physical impact on the survivor – then the impact can be particularly challenging. Join Renee as she shares her deeply personal experience with TBI and the aftermath of domestic violence and associated post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). In an interactive dialogue context, she and Glenn will share educational information about traumatic brain injury, strangulation, the impact and consequences of TBI and national findings related to trauma and recovery post-domestic violence – including information on free resources available to uninsured and/or financially challenged Utah residents who are TBI survivors. Glenn and Renee will also be speaking to brain injury basics (diagnosis, resources, and both state and national research findings), coping skills for both TBI survivors and the caretakers around them, and traumatic brain injury within the domestic violence context.

Join Rebecca as she details her efforts to facilitate the creation of a domestic violence pilot court for Utah County. Find out what a domestic violence court is, about a mentor court she visited in Kansas City, and why it’s more complicated than drug or mental health court. Learn about how misdemeanor intimate partner offenses are handled currently in Utah County, from the site of the crime to sentencing. Participants will see how a domestic violence court can create greater safety and support for survivors and accountability and rehabilitation for offenders. Finally, she will discuss how the high numbers of domestic violence homicides and crimes in Utah are disheartening and how local officials-sheriffs, advocates, attorneys, mayors, and commissioners-are working together to get a domestic violence court established and address this community problem.

When someone has privilege in one identity, they may not be privileged in another. This training will examine the intersection of gender privilege and victimhood/survivorship and what barriers male survivors face when attempting to access services and support. Lastly, attendees will learn gender differences in advocacy, self-disclosure, feelings of safety, emotional expression, male rape myths, how homophobia and transphobia affect male survivors, and how folks define victimization.

Elder abuse is more prevalent and comes in more forms than we realize. It also happens whether the older person is living in a residential care facility or in the hands of a family member. In this session, Elle will discuss two situations that involved family members and the valuable lessons learned.

What is the difference between an advocate and a supporter? Why do victims need them? If you are an advocate, do you know your impact? If you are a supporter, do you know your value? Both are needed to help a victim get out - and stay out - of abuse! During this informative session, participants will understand the difference between advocates and supporters – and discover the important role that each fills. Discover the impact that advocates have on helping victims become victors and how supporters can continue to live and raise even in the most difficult situations.

Ashlee N. Martlage is an advocate, responder, and clinician who specializes in trauma, relationships, and resiliency. Ashlee has served as a consultant to national domestic violence organizations, facilitated numerous groups, public speaking events, and women’s retreats for survivors and continues to advocate for changes in public policy. She is currently completing her Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology at the University of Texas at Austin, where she studies trauma and resiliency in families of public safety officers. She facilitates trainings for law enforcement agencies in trauma-informed techniques, peer support, and cultural competencies. She also promotes improved relationships between marginalized populations and law enforcement through skill-building, training, and advocacy. She obtained her master’s degree at Pepperdine University, Graduate School of Education and Psychology in Clinical Psychology. She is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and is a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional. She served as a member of the Crisis Intervention Team with the San Diego Police Department and is a member of the Disaster Mental Health Services team with the American Red Cross. She currently serves as a clinician on the Traumatic Incident and Event Response (TIER) Team, National Resiliency Task Force covering Customs and Border Protection agencies.

This presentation will focus on the substantial importance of law enforcement and victim advocates working together in order to secure more successful outcomes with the investigation and prosecution of domestic violence offenders. The American Fork Police Department, like many other law enforcement agencies, has at times faced challenges with domestic violence victims not wishing to talk to police, recanting on prior information given about an incident, being reluctant to attend important court hearings, and becoming uncooperative with investigators and others trying to assist in the investigation. This presentation will illustrate reasons as to why this occurs (from a victim standpoint), and the role of the victim advocate in helping victims to overcome fears and obstacles. Presenters will also discuss the vital importance of an appropriate and effective working relationship between victim advocates and law enforcement. This session is appropriate for all audiences.

The internet has made stalking easier than ever. Prior to the shift of living virtually, domestic violence perpetrators had to rely on following their victims around physically. But now, perpetrators can stalk their victims at their house, in school, in a different state or even in a different country. When it comes to cyberstalking, what’s particularly troubling is that because of this online shift, not all of the systems working with survivors have had time to adjust to the specific implications. Just like every other sphere of life, crime, too, has gone online. After this training, attendees will gain a basic understanding of how abusers use technology to stalk, control, manipulate or coerce survivors; learn various strategies to help survivors protect themselves, and lastly, learn about technology resources for survivors.

Maya Angelou famously said, “Do the best you can until you know better. Then when you know better, do better.” The Utah Legislature continues “to know better” about the implications and impacts of abuse and, while there are still “miles to go before we sleep,” we continue “to do better.” Be the first to learn about the substantial changes in governmental immunity laws during the 2019 session, which will significantly advance the prevention of sexual abuse of students in our schools (both K-12 and higher education), as well as other abuse prevention legislation Representative Ivory passed this session. Representative Ivory will also address the status of the Multi-Disciplinary Trauma-Informed Committee (MDTIC) in implementing the 2018 bi-partisan legislation, HB177-Trauma-Informed Provisions to improve and standardize trauma-informed practices across government agencies in creating a trauma-informed criminal justice system, and provide an update on the groundbreaking HB279 (2016) which restored the expired rights of survivors to bring civil claims against the perpetrators of child sexual abuse. Given that the constant turnover in the Utah Legislature, learn how one person really can make a difference in helping state leaders know better and do better in both preventing abuse and helping survivors. Representative Ivory will gladly entertain a robust question and answer period.

Join Erin and Tara as they discuss the connection between educational attainment and exiting a violent relationship. This presentation will focus on prevention and early intervention and will highlight research that shows women with bachelor degrees are less likely to stay in a violent relationship. As women’s college completion rates in Utah are significantly lower than national rates, Utah women may have an additional risk of persisting in a violent relationship. Increasing the pipeline of women to and through higher education may have individual and generation impact on their relationships. In addition to educational attainment at the individual level, presenters will discuss public policies that impact—positively or negatively—rates and severity of domestic violence at the community and state level. Examples of these range from state investment in victim support and violence prevention to community access to firearms. We will take a Utah-specific look at these policies, review changes made by the Utah Legislature and other policymakers (for better or worse) since 2017, and assess additional policy and legislative changes needed to better protect survivors in Utah.