Utah Attorney General Mark Shurtleff Press Release For Immediate Release
February 23, 2005

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Paul Murphy:
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POLYGAMY AT CENTER OF TOWN HALL MEETING
 MARK SHURTLEFF & TERRY GODDARD TO HOST EVENT

Utah attorney General Mark Shurtleff and Arizona Attorney General Terry Goddard are inviting the public to attend a Town Hall Meeting in St. George on March 3 to discuss efforts to help victims of domestic violence and child abuse in polygamous communities. The meeting will include an open forum to talk about what has happened in the past and to seek input on future endeavors.

"We need to break down more barriers so people living in closed communities have the same access to safety and justice as everyone else," says Shurtleff. "We have come far---but we still have a long way to go."

The Town Hall Meeting will also feature comments from Utah Division of Child and Family Services Region Director Todd Minchey and Arizona Department of Economic Security Director David Berns. Both agencies have been taking part in regular meetings to help overcome the unique issues facing victims from polygamous communities.

Here are some of the highlights of what Utah and Arizona has been involved with during the past year:
  • Utah received a $700,000 grant to provide additional law enforcement, social services, legal help, shelter and education for domestic violence victims from polygamous communities.

  • Arizona built a multi-use facility in Colorado City that is being used by social workers, law enforcement officers and victims advocates in both states.

  • Utah & Arizona worked together to create a manual to educate officers and case workers about the unique beliefs and barriers facing polygamists.

  • Utah expanded the Domestic Violence Info Line to 24 hours a day and Arizona enlisted the Childhelp USA phone line to assist child abuse and domestic violence victims from polygamous communities.

The public is invited to attend the Town Hall Meeting but seating is limited. Reserved tickets are available from Hope for the Child Brides by email at or by phone at (435) 627-9582. Limit of four tickets per person. No one under 12 will be permitted at the meeting.

What:    Town Hall Meeting, Helping Victims of Domestic Violence and Child Abuse in Polygamous Communities

Who:    Utah Attorney General Mark Shurtleff, Arizona Attorney General Terry Goddard, Arizona Department of Economic Security Director David Berns, Utah Division of Child and Family Services Region Director Todd Minchey and other representatives from both states.  News Talk 890 KDXU Host Cliff Donovan will be the moderator at the event.

When:    7:00-9:00 p.m., Thursday, March 3, 2005

Where:    Holiday Inn, 850 South Bluff, St. George
 
 
attorneygeneral.utah.gov
Originally published February 23, 2005
 
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