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| SIGNS OFFER HELP BEYOND BELIEFS | ||
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A new billboard campaign aims to help victims of domestic violence from polygamous communities-but the message will reach people from every walk of life. The highway signs let people know that "When It Hurts At Home" they can call 1-800-897-LINK, the Domestic Violence Link Line, for free, confidential, 24-hour help.
Reagan Outdoor Advertising donated 4 billboards in St. George, Cedar City, Parowan and Mount Carmel and offered to put up more signs. The Attorney General's Office planned to put up signs with money from the Safe Passage Grant, part of the federal grant provides funds for a public awareness campaign for domestic violence victims from plural families. However, a single sign in the St. George area would have wiped out most of the public awareness budget. "We want to offer this message that there is hope and help available for anyone affected by domestic violence, regardless of beliefs," says Attorney General Mark Shurtleff. "I want to personally thank Reagan Outdoor Advertising for this tremendous public service and getting this important phone number out to so many people." The donation will allow more money to be spent on printing and distributing newsletters, brochures and other materials for law enforcement officers, social workers and members of polygamous communities. The Safe Passage Grant has also been used to expand the Domestic Violence Link Line to 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Link Line staff members have received training from polygamists and former polygamists to better understand the culture of the people they are trying to help. "A recent Dan Jones poll found that 8 out of 10 women said that not knowing where to go for help is a barrier to reporting abuse. These billboards will really help the public become aware of our number and the resources available to them," says A.J. Hunt, Domestic Violence Coordinator for the Link Line. "I want to express a heartfelt thank you to Reagan Outdoor Advertising for their support and helping us get the word out." The billboards will compliment a sign for the Safe Talk Helpline on Highway 59 between Hurricane and Hildale. The Arizona Attorney General's Office put up the billboard to let domestic violence and child abuse victims know they can call 1-866-9-SAFE-99 for free, private, 24-hour help. The artwork for the Domestic Violence Link Line billboards can be found at http://attorneygeneral.utah.gov/PrRel/images/DomesticViolenceBillboard.tif or http://attorneygeneral.utah.gov/PrRel/DomesticViolenceBillboard.pdf. Pictures of the Safe Talk sign are at http://attorneygeneral.utah.gov/PrRel/images/AppleValleyBillboard.html. The Utah and Arizona Attorney General's Office have also created new materials to assist law enforcement officers and social workers help domestic violence and child abuse victims from polygamous backgrounds. "The Primer---Helping Victims of Domestic Violence and Child Abuse in Polygamous Communities" has been updated with new information and "The Safety Net Directory," is a new publication which lists agencies and organizations offering services to polygamous communities. Both publications are available online at http://www.attorneygeneral.utah.gov/polygamy.html. | ||
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attorneygeneral.utah.gov Originally published June 16, 2006 | ||
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