Domestic Violence Grant to Help Polygamy Victims
 
Jed Boal Reporting
KSL TV
 
There's new assistance for victims of polygamy in Utah, and all victims of domestic violence. It's called the Safe Passage Program. It's the first time the state has received federal funding to help.

This is a unique Department of Justice grant, nearly $700,000 to help domestic violence victims from polygamous communities in Utah and Arizona.

Safe Passage will expand services for all victims of domestic violence with a focus on polygamous communities. Many victims of polygamy struggle to get help; they are isolated, poor, and have to battle cultural pressures.

St. George and Washington County law enforcement will add patrols and victim advocates in the twin polygamous towns of Hildale, Utah and Colorado City, Arizona. Safe Passage will also provide social services, legal aid, housing, and extended hours for a domestic violence hotline.

The Attorney General's Office says it's a good start in tackling a problem with complex solutions.

Paul Murphy, Utah Attorney General's Office: “I don't think there's a grant like this in the country or the world. There's never been a grant that said, we want to help people from a specific community -- polygamous communities in Utah and Arizona."

The AG's office will work with the Division of Child and Family Services, the Domestic Violence Council, and Sheriffs in Utah and Arizona to run the Program. The Attorney General believes that partnership is important in ongoing efforts to help victims of polygamy. When victims call for help, Safe Passage wants to ensure someone will be there.

The grant did not expand programs just for polygamy victims; these services will help all victims of domestic violence.
 
KSL.com
Originally broadcast August 30, 2004
 
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