DAVIS COUNTY—Safe Harbor Crisis Center typically assists about 3,000 survivors of sexual assault and domestic violence each year. This year that service has increased and they are on track to help almost 5,000.

“We saw a large number in the aftermath of the pandemic,” said Executive Director Kristen Floyd. “People were secluded in their homes with the perpetrator so it caused more violence in the home and sexual assault increased as well.”

Maybe it’s just that people know where to go for help, she said. “I’m hopeful that sexual assault is not increasing but people seeking help is increasing.”

April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month, and Safe Harbor is hosting several events to shine a light on the subject and to support survivors. The center joined with the state on the steps of the Capitol for “Start by Believing Day” April 6.

“It originated in Utah but now it’s national,” said Floyd. “They gave five awards to agencies for individuals who have served survivors. One was our sexual assault nurse, Shawna Bryant. She’s worked with us for a couple of years now. She was recognized for doing exemplary work serving survivors. It’s a pretty impressive award to receive.” 

The next event is a Sexual Assault Awareness Conference on April 20 at the Davis Conference Center. “Our keynote speaker is Elizabeth Smart. It runs from 8 a.m – 4 p.m. and breakfast and lunch will be served. Tickets are $75 and you can register on our website (safeharborhope.org) under the events tab.”

Floyd said they will be holding a candlelight vigil at 7 p.m. April 29 at Station Park. “It will be on the sidewalk by our building honoring victims of sexual assault. It’s free to anybody who wants to come. We’re at 280 West Union Avenue.”

An art expo will be held at the Bountiful Davis Arts Center on April 30. “It’s for survivors to display their artwork,” she said. “Some will be for sale and the proceeds will go to Safe Harbor.”

The Safe Harbor resource center will be moving to its new location by the Layton Hospital – Intermountain Healthcare in June. “It’s very exciting,” said Floyd. “We’re crossing our fingers that it comes through like it’s supposed to.”

The new 6,000 square foot building is across the street from the hospital, she said. “It’s where the new fire station will be. The land was donated by IHC along with private donations and the legislature provided funds to help build the building.”

The resource center will have community advocates to help those who don’t need emergency services, said Floyd. “They’ll provide protective order assistance, housing stabilization, etc. There will also be nurse examiners and sexual assault advocates and therapists. Any victim qualifies for free therapy. We try to get them in as quickly as possible to help them work through their trauma.”

Safe Harbor provides services 24/7. “We’re always on call,” Floyd said. “If it happens day or night we’ll send out a sexual assault advocate and nurse on every call to provide wrap around services. All services for survivors are free. We also provide family members or secondary survivors free services because they’re often impacted as well.”

Floyd said being supportive is essential. “We want people to be patient with a victim. Family members or friends want them to get out and report it that very day. But reporting it sometimes can cause more danger for them.”

Wait for them, she said. “The family needs to let them decide what’s going to be the most comfortable and safest for them.”

The services are available to anybody, said Floyd. “People think it’s just for women but that’s not the case. It can be any gender. We don’t care if they’re documented or how old they are. It’s truly a service for everyone.”

If you or someone you know has been a victim of sexual assault call the hotline at 801-444-9161.λ