Domestic Violence Shelters One-time Funding - Stephen C. Jardine Last Updated: November 22, 2013
It is
anticipated domestic violence shelters will ask for ongoing funding in the 2014
General Session. During its 2013 General
Session, the Legislature provided $474,700 one-time funding to 12 private
nonprofit domestic violence shelters. Services
provided in these shelters are mostly ongoing in nature. These domestic violence shelters have a varied
history in their origin, size, scope and level of services, and support. As a result, per capita funding for the
shelters across the state varies widely (see Table 1 below). The Division of Child and Family Services (DCFS)
has made changes to its domestic violence shelter allocation formula to try to
address this per-shelter per-capita discrepancy. DCFS also uses some of its funding to provide
intervention for perpetrators, which some have questioned. DCFS defends the practice stating, among
other reasons, that "DCFS pays for treatment of perpetrators because it is essential
to keep children safe, strengthen families, and provide quality domestic
violence services. Research tells us
that preventing domestic violence requires a multi-systemic approach that
includes supporting the needs of all family members with a coordinated community
response." More detailed explanations
and general background information follow.
2013 General Session One-time
Appropriation for Ongoing Services
During its
2013 General Session, the Legislature appropriated $474,700 to 12 private
nonprofit domestic violence shelters.
This funding was for one year only.
The services provided in these shelters are typically ongoing in
nature. DCFS distributed this funding evenly to all 12 private non-profit
centers. A 13th shelter,
Pathways in San Juan County, was privatized during the year and was not part of
the original request to the Legislature.
Some DCFS Treatment Intervention Funds are Being Used for
Perpetrators
DCFS uses some of its funding to
provide treatment intervention for perpetrators. In FY 2013, DCFS spent $861,400 for
perpetrators. Some have questioned the
use of state funding for this purpose, characterizing it as treating
domestic-violence offenders with funds that they believe should be dedicated to
serving victims.
In response to the question "why funds appropriated for domestic
violence are being used to provide treatment to perpetrators," DCFS responded:
- "Utah courts can order perpetrators convicted of domestic violence to
attend treatment with an accredited domestic violence treatment provider
(perpetrators often help pay for the treatment). DCFS has contracted with
domestic violence treatment providers throughout the state to ensure access to
treatment services.
- Perpetrator treatment improves safety and stability by reducing risk
factors and increasing strengths. Treatment that addresses aggressive behavior
is critical to safety."
In response to the question, "are you aware of any statutory
requirements related to requiring DCFS provide treatment to perpetrators," DCFS responded:
- "UCA 62A-4a-105 states that the division
shall administer services to minors and families, including: child welfare
services, domestic violence services and all other responsibilities that the
Legislature or the executive director may assign to the division.
- UCA 35A-8-901 specifies DCFS has
statutory responsibility to provide domestic violence services--not only to
victims and families with DCFS involvement, but statewide domestic violence
services. Domestic violence services
means: a temporary shelter, treatment, and related services to a person who is
a victim of abuse, the dependent children, and treatment services for a person
who is alleged to have committed an act of domestic violence" [UCA 62A-4a-101(12)].
In response to the question, "do you have any helpful clarifying
information regarding why DCFS pays for treatment for perpetrators," DCFS responded:
- "The DCFS mission is to keep children safe from abuse and neglect and
provide domestic violence services by working with communities and
strengthening families.
- DCFS pays for treatment of perpetrators because it is essential to
keep children safe, strengthen families, and provide quality domestic violence
services.
- Research tells us that preventing domestic violence requires a
multi-systemic approach that includes supporting the needs of all family
members with a coordinated community response.
- Evidence-based perpetrator treatment that is appropriate to the level
of risk is key (Bourbon and Armstrong, 2006) and victim safety is always
paramount. Research indicates the most effective outcomes come from treatment
models promoting mental health and preventing mental illness.
- Not all perpetrators of IPV [intimate partner violence]/domestic and family violence have parental
rights terminated or suspended.
Perpetrators often continue to interact with their children, making it
essential to ensure access to treatment for the entire family.
- By providing quality, comprehensive DV [domestic violence] services that address all
angles of domestic and family violence, we have the potential to reduce
domestic violence rather than merely managing the result of domestic and family
violence."
Allocation of Funds to Domestic Violence Shelters
DCFS provides federal and state pass-through funds to 12 private
domestic violence shelters throughout Utah to serve adult and child victims of
family violence. A 13th
shelter, Pathways in San Juan County, was privatized during the year and was
not part of the original 2013 General Session request to the Legislature. DCFS is currently operating two other shelters
located in Price and Vernal to ensure adequate services are available in rural
communities. Domestic violence shelters
in Utah have a varied history in their origin and support. As a result, per capita funding for the
various shelters across the state varies widely. DCFS has made changes to its allocation
formula over the past few years to try and address this discrepancy. DCFS anticipates distributing $3,394,500 to 12
private non-profit shelters for FY 2014.
DCFS distributes the funds based upon four criteria: 1) a $100,000 base
amount to 12 shelters with an additional one time amount of $840,000 also split
equally between the 12 shelters, 2) a $10,000 rural differential to seven rural
shelters, 3) $669,900 distributed based upon a shelter
DCFS is currently developing
an advanced performance measure protocol for domestic violence services to
enhance the limited current indicator of need (shelter days provided).
While shelter days/nights are somewhat helpful as a performance measure,
DCFS indicates "it does not take into account the array of cost effective
services (outreach teams, crisis intervention services, nursery care, referral,
case management) provided to support safety, stabilize families impacted by
violence, and create a coordinated community response to domestic violence." Table 1 shows: 1) domestic violence shelters,
the FY 2013 and FY 2014 amounts distributed to each shelter, 3) the
2011 population by county associated with each shelter
Table 1
General Background
DCFS has statutory responsibility to provide services
which aid victims and perpetrators of domestic violence. This program includes: domestic violence
caseworkers, domestic violence outpatient services, and family violence
shelters. There are 15 domestic violence
shelters operating in nearly half of the state's 29 counties, two (three
until late last year) of which DCFS operates to ensure adequate services are
available in rural communities. The
Commission on Criminal and Juvenile Justice, the Administrative Office of the
Courts, and the Office of the Attorney General also receive funding and play unique
roles in domestic violence prevention and intervention. A private
non-profit, known as the Utah Domestic Violence Coalition (UDVC) is the federally recognized,
non-government organization designated as the state authority for domestic
violence victim advocacy and receives approximately $245,000 annually
from the federal government. FY 2014 DCFS funding for domestic violence services
($5,921,700) consists of:
- General Fund (32%),
- Federal grants (52%)
- Victims of Domestic Violence Services Restricted Account (16%).
In 2012 the U.S. Department of Justice issued
a Special Report titled Intimate
Partner Violence, 1993-2010. The report showed that from 1994
to 2010 the overall rate of intimate partner violence in the U.S. declined by
64 % and that in 2010 5.9 females per 1,000 annually experienced intimate
partner violence while 1.1 males per 1,000 annually experienced intimate
partner violence. A 2005 Utah-specific
study titled Domestic
Violence Incidence and Prevalence Study indicated
that 36.9 % of female respondents over age 18 identified themselves as
victims of domestic violence.
Domestic violence services
funded through or provided by the Division of Child and Family Services
The Division of Child and Family Services
within the Department of Human Services provides services which aid victims and
perpetrators of domestic violence. This
program includes:
- Domestic violence case workers: provide other DCFS workers with information
about domestic violence as it relates to child abuse, assist in risk
determination, and provide resources and referrals to assist DCFS workers
in keeping adult and child victims safe.
- Domestic violence outpatient services: provide assessment
and treatment intervention to court-ordered and voluntary domestic
violence perpetrators, victims of domestic violence, and child witnesses
of domestic violence. This program
is funded in part from the Victims of Domestic Violence Services Restricted
Account (UCA 51-9-406) which revenues come from surcharges
on criminal fines, penalties, and forfeitures imposed by the courts.
- Family violence shelters: there are 15 domestic violence
shelters operating in nearly half of the state's 29 counties, two (three
until late last year) of which DCFS operates to ensure adequate services
are available in rural communities.
DCFS contracts for services with 12 private non-profit shelters
such as the YWCA program in Salt Lake City, South Valley Sanctuary in West
Jordan, Center for Women and Children in Crisis in Provo, and Your
Community Connections in Ogden. A 13th
shelter, Pathways in San Juan County, was privatized during the year. These
shelters provide abused adults and their children with a safe short-term
refuge. Available services vary
from shelter to shelter. Some of
the services provided include a 24-hour crisis hot line, a 24-hour mobile
crisis team, adult and child support groups, rape crisis intervention,
education and training, assistance with protective orders, court advocacy,
household goods assistance, bilingual services, transportation, child
care, and information and referral.
Domestic violence services
funded or provided through other state agencies
Although the Division of Child and Family
Services is the primary state agency dealing with domestic violence services,
the Commission on Criminal and Juvenile Justice, the Administrative Office of
the Courts, and the Office of the Attorney General also have funding and play
unique roles in domestic violence prevention and intervention. Table 2, based upon information provided from
the Commission on Criminal and Juvenile Justice, shows public funding sources
and general distribution of those public sources for domestic violence
prevention and intervention in Utah.
Table 2
The private nonprofit Utah
Domestic Violence Coalition
A private non-profit entity known as the Utah Domestic Violence
Coalition (UDVC) receives approximately $245,000 annually from the federal
government. The source of the funding is
the Family Violence Prevention Services
Act (FVPSA). UDVC is the federally recognized domestic violence coalition in Utah,
and it applies for and receives its FVPSA grant directly from the federal
government. Coalitions, as authorized
through both FVPSA and the Violence
Against Women Act, are active partners with the state in assessing and
prioritizing statewide needs for victims of intimate partner violence. The role of UDVC, and all statewide domestic
violence coalitions, is: 1) training and technical assistance for victim
service providers and others, 2) public education and prevention, and 3) public
policy. UDVC also operates a statewide
resource referral line that is available 24 hours a day, 7 days per week to
provide free, confidential help to anyone seeking domestic violence resources.
Funding for Domestic Violence Services
FY 2014 funding for domestic violence
services in the Division of Child and Family Services ($5,921,700) consists of:
- General Fund (32%)
- Federal grants (52%)
- Victims of Domestic Violence Services
Restricted Account (16%)
General Fund
The General Fund is one of the major funds used in state accounting and is defined as all revenues not otherwise provided for by law. The primary stream of income is from sales tax.
Federal grants
DCFS
uses three separate federal funding sources to pay for domestic violence
services:
- Social Services Block Grant (62% of total federal funding) - a
- Family Violence Prevention Services Act
(35%) - provides funding for shelter and supportive services for victims of domestic violence and their dependents and for public awareness about domestic violence.
- Title IV-E (Social Security
Act) Foster Care Assistance (3%) - provides
funding for (1) foster care maintenance to provide safe and stable out-of-home
care for eligible children under the jurisdiction of the state child welfare
agency until the children are returned home safely, placed with adoptive
families, or placed in other planned arrangements for permanency; (2) training
for public agency staff, foster parents, and certain private agency staff; and
(3) administrative costs to manage the program.
Victims of Domestic
Violence Services Restricted Account
All courts levy a surcharge on fines. Of the amount collected by these surcharges,
4.5 percent is allocated to the Victims of Domestic Violence Services Restricted
Account (UCA 51-9-406). A
portion of the collections (0.5 percent) goes to the Office of the Attorney
General for training. The remaining four
percent goes to DCFS for services to victims of domestic violence.
Domestic Violence
In 2012, the U.S. Department of Justice
issued a Special Report titled Intimate
Partner Violence, 1993-2010, (Catalano). This report looks at
trends in nonfatal intimate partner violence which includes "rape, sexual
assault, robbery, aggravated assault, and simple assault committed by an
offender who was the victim
- From 1994 to 2010, the overall rate of intimate
partner violence in the U.S. declined by 64 %.
- From 1994 to 2010, about 4 in 5 victims of
intimate partner violence were female.
- Females ages 18 to 34 generally experienced the
highest rates of intimate partner violence.
- Separated females experienced the highest rate
of intimate partner violence during the 18-year period even though this
category
- Intimate partner violence differed by race and ethnicity. All categories declined
significantly over the survey period.
The Hispanic origin female category had the largest decline. This category of intimate partner
violence declined from 18.6 females per 1,000 in 1994 to 4.1 in 2010.
A previous report titled National
Intimate Partner and Sexual Violence Survey - 2010 Summary Report (National Center for
Injury Prevention and Control, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention,
2011) found that 35.6 % of surveyed women and 28.5 % of surveyed
men in the United States reported having experienced "rape, physical violence,
and/or stalking by an intimate partner in their lifetime."
A Utah-specific study titled Domestic
Violence Incidence and Prevalence Study, Dan Jones & Associates, commissioned by
the Utah Commission for Women and Families, 2005, identified 36.9 % of
the 1,000 female respondents over age 18 as
Primarily,
though not exclusively, a crime committed by men against women including: a
pattern of assaultive and coercive behaviors; psychological, sexual, and
physical abuse; behavior used by an individual to hurt, dominate, and control
an intimate partner.
The Dan Jones & Associates study also concluded "there has been
very little change - for the better or worse - in the incidence and prevalence
of domestic violence and abuse in Utah since the 1997 study."
The Department of Public Safety has collected annual data since 2008
(see the topic Domestic Violence Report
in the minutes of the June 19, 2013 Law Enforcement and Criminal Justice
Interim Committee). H.B.
261, Domestic Violence Statistics
Reporting (2013 General Session), required the Bureau of Criminal
Identification in the Department of Public Safety "to compile the data that it
had been collecting on domestic violence and present a report to the Law
Enforcement and Criminal Justice Interim Committee." The report was provided to that interim committee in May,
2013 and provides information regarding the relationships of suspects and
victims and the number of arrests and the charge associated with those
arrests.
In addition, the Division of Child and Family Services provided
additional information (e-mail to the Legislative Fiscal Analyst dated November 18, 2013), citing,
among other sources shown below, the National Center for Injury Prevention and
Control (2006), Understanding Intimate
Partner Violence fact sheet):
- Since 2000, domestic violence-related
homicides accounted for 39.9% of all adult homicides in Utah (DOH/VIPP).
- One-third of domestic violence perpetrators
died by suicide after committing the homicide.
- In Utah, female victims of domestic violence
have higher rates of mental illness (29.8% vs. 13.7%) and binge drinking
(9.8% vs. 4.3%) than women who have not experienced intimate partner
violence (VIPP).
- In 2011, more than 3,400 men, women, and
children entered shelters to escape domestic violence.
- CDC studies have shown that 60% to 75% of
families with intimate partner violence have children who are also
maltreated.
- Being abused or neglected as a child
increases the likelihood of arrest as a juvenile by 53% and of arrest for
a violent crime as an adult by 38%.
- The number of domestic violence victims
turned away from shelter due to lack of beds rose from 1,677 in 2008 to
2,809 in 2012, an increase of 67%.
It is anticipated domestic violence shelters will ask for ongoing funding in the 2014 General Session. During its 2013 General Session, the Legislature provided $474,700 one-time funding to 12 private nonprofit domestic violence shelters. Services provided in these shelters are mostly ongoing in nature. These domestic violence shelters have a varied history in their origin, size, scope and level of services, and support. As a result, per capita funding for the shelters across the state varies widely (see Table 1 below). The Division of Child and Family Services (DCFS) has made changes to its domestic violence shelter allocation formula to try to address this per-shelter per-capita discrepancy. DCFS also uses some of its funding to provide intervention for perpetrators, which some have questioned. DCFS defends the practice stating, among other reasons, that "DCFS pays for treatment of perpetrators because it is essential to keep children safe, strengthen families, and provide quality domestic violence services. Research tells us that preventing domestic violence requires a multi-systemic approach that includes supporting the needs of all family members with a coordinated community response." More detailed explanations and general background information follow.
2013 General Session One-time Appropriation for Ongoing Services
During its 2013 General Session, the Legislature appropriated $474,700 to 12 private nonprofit domestic violence shelters. This funding was for one year only. The services provided in these shelters are typically ongoing in nature. DCFS distributed this funding evenly to all 12 private non-profit centers. A 13th shelter, Pathways in San Juan County, was privatized during the year and was not part of the original request to the Legislature.
Some DCFS Treatment Intervention Funds are Being Used for Perpetrators
DCFS uses some of its funding to provide treatment intervention for perpetrators. In FY 2013, DCFS spent $861,400 for perpetrators. Some have questioned the use of state funding for this purpose, characterizing it as treating domestic-violence offenders with funds that they believe should be dedicated to serving victims.
In response to the question "why funds appropriated for domestic violence are being used to provide treatment to perpetrators," DCFS responded:
- "Utah courts can order perpetrators convicted of domestic violence to attend treatment with an accredited domestic violence treatment provider (perpetrators often help pay for the treatment). DCFS has contracted with domestic violence treatment providers throughout the state to ensure access to treatment services.
- Perpetrator treatment improves safety and stability by reducing risk factors and increasing strengths. Treatment that addresses aggressive behavior is critical to safety."
In response to the question, "are you aware of any statutory requirements related to requiring DCFS provide treatment to perpetrators," DCFS responded:
- "UCA 62A-4a-105 states that the division shall administer services to minors and families, including: child welfare services, domestic violence services and all other responsibilities that the Legislature or the executive director may assign to the division.
- UCA 35A-8-901 specifies DCFS has statutory responsibility to provide domestic violence services--not only to victims and families with DCFS involvement, but statewide domestic violence services. Domestic violence services means: a temporary shelter, treatment, and related services to a person who is a victim of abuse, the dependent children, and treatment services for a person who is alleged to have committed an act of domestic violence" [UCA 62A-4a-101(12)].
In response to the question, "do you have any helpful clarifying information regarding why DCFS pays for treatment for perpetrators," DCFS responded:
- "The DCFS mission is to keep children safe from abuse and neglect and provide domestic violence services by working with communities and strengthening families.
- DCFS pays for treatment of perpetrators because it is essential to keep children safe, strengthen families, and provide quality domestic violence services.
- Research tells us that preventing domestic violence requires a multi-systemic approach that includes supporting the needs of all family members with a coordinated community response.
- Evidence-based perpetrator treatment that is appropriate to the level of risk is key (Bourbon and Armstrong, 2006) and victim safety is always paramount. Research indicates the most effective outcomes come from treatment models promoting mental health and preventing mental illness.
- Not all perpetrators of IPV [intimate partner violence]/domestic and family violence have parental rights terminated or suspended. Perpetrators often continue to interact with their children, making it essential to ensure access to treatment for the entire family.
- By providing quality, comprehensive DV [domestic violence] services that address all angles of domestic and family violence, we have the potential to reduce domestic violence rather than merely managing the result of domestic and family violence."
Allocation of Funds to Domestic Violence Shelters
DCFS provides federal and state pass-through funds to 12 private
domestic violence shelters throughout Utah to serve adult and child victims of
family violence. A 13th
shelter, Pathways in San Juan County, was privatized during the year and was
not part of the original 2013 General Session request to the Legislature. DCFS is currently operating two other shelters
located in Price and Vernal to ensure adequate services are available in rural
communities. Domestic violence shelters
in Utah have a varied history in their origin and support. As a result, per capita funding for the
various shelters across the state varies widely. DCFS has made changes to its allocation
formula over the past few years to try and address this discrepancy. DCFS anticipates distributing $3,394,500 to 12
private non-profit shelters for FY 2014.
DCFS distributes the funds based upon four criteria: 1) a $100,000 base
amount to 12 shelters with an additional one time amount of $840,000 also split
equally between the 12 shelters, 2) a $10,000 rural differential to seven rural
shelters, 3) $669,900 distributed based upon a shelter
DCFS is currently developing
an advanced performance measure protocol for domestic violence services to
enhance the limited current indicator of need (shelter days provided).
While shelter days/nights are somewhat helpful as a performance measure,
DCFS indicates "it does not take into account the array of cost effective
services (outreach teams, crisis intervention services, nursery care, referral,
case management) provided to support safety, stabilize families impacted by
violence, and create a coordinated community response to domestic violence." Table 1 shows: 1) domestic violence shelters,
the FY 2013 and FY 2014 amounts distributed to each shelter, 3) the
2011 population by county associated with each shelter
Table 1
General Background
DCFS has statutory responsibility to provide services which aid victims and perpetrators of domestic violence. This program includes: domestic violence caseworkers, domestic violence outpatient services, and family violence shelters. There are 15 domestic violence shelters operating in nearly half of the state's 29 counties, two (three until late last year) of which DCFS operates to ensure adequate services are available in rural communities. The Commission on Criminal and Juvenile Justice, the Administrative Office of the Courts, and the Office of the Attorney General also receive funding and play unique roles in domestic violence prevention and intervention. A private non-profit, known as the Utah Domestic Violence Coalition (UDVC) is the federally recognized, non-government organization designated as the state authority for domestic violence victim advocacy and receives approximately $245,000 annually from the federal government. FY 2014 DCFS funding for domestic violence services ($5,921,700) consists of:
- General Fund (32%),
- Federal grants (52%)
- Victims of Domestic Violence Services Restricted Account (16%).
In 2012 the U.S. Department of Justice issued a Special Report titled Intimate Partner Violence, 1993-2010. The report showed that from 1994 to 2010 the overall rate of intimate partner violence in the U.S. declined by 64 % and that in 2010 5.9 females per 1,000 annually experienced intimate partner violence while 1.1 males per 1,000 annually experienced intimate partner violence. A 2005 Utah-specific study titled Domestic Violence Incidence and Prevalence Study indicated that 36.9 % of female respondents over age 18 identified themselves as victims of domestic violence.
Domestic violence services funded through or provided by the Division of Child and Family Services
The Division of Child and Family Services within the Department of Human Services provides services which aid victims and perpetrators of domestic violence. This program includes:
- Domestic violence case workers: provide other DCFS workers with information about domestic violence as it relates to child abuse, assist in risk determination, and provide resources and referrals to assist DCFS workers in keeping adult and child victims safe.
- Domestic violence outpatient services: provide assessment and treatment intervention to court-ordered and voluntary domestic violence perpetrators, victims of domestic violence, and child witnesses of domestic violence. This program is funded in part from the Victims of Domestic Violence Services Restricted Account (UCA 51-9-406) which revenues come from surcharges on criminal fines, penalties, and forfeitures imposed by the courts.
- Family violence shelters: there are 15 domestic violence shelters operating in nearly half of the state's 29 counties, two (three until late last year) of which DCFS operates to ensure adequate services are available in rural communities. DCFS contracts for services with 12 private non-profit shelters such as the YWCA program in Salt Lake City, South Valley Sanctuary in West Jordan, Center for Women and Children in Crisis in Provo, and Your Community Connections in Ogden. A 13th shelter, Pathways in San Juan County, was privatized during the year. These shelters provide abused adults and their children with a safe short-term refuge. Available services vary from shelter to shelter. Some of the services provided include a 24-hour crisis hot line, a 24-hour mobile crisis team, adult and child support groups, rape crisis intervention, education and training, assistance with protective orders, court advocacy, household goods assistance, bilingual services, transportation, child care, and information and referral.
Domestic violence services funded or provided through other state agencies
Although the Division of Child and Family Services is the primary state agency dealing with domestic violence services, the Commission on Criminal and Juvenile Justice, the Administrative Office of the Courts, and the Office of the Attorney General also have funding and play unique roles in domestic violence prevention and intervention. Table 2, based upon information provided from the Commission on Criminal and Juvenile Justice, shows public funding sources and general distribution of those public sources for domestic violence prevention and intervention in Utah.
Table 2
The private nonprofit Utah Domestic Violence Coalition
A private non-profit entity known as the Utah Domestic Violence Coalition (UDVC) receives approximately $245,000 annually from the federal government. The source of the funding is the Family Violence Prevention Services Act (FVPSA). UDVC is the federally recognized domestic violence coalition in Utah, and it applies for and receives its FVPSA grant directly from the federal government. Coalitions, as authorized through both FVPSA and the Violence Against Women Act, are active partners with the state in assessing and prioritizing statewide needs for victims of intimate partner violence. The role of UDVC, and all statewide domestic violence coalitions, is: 1) training and technical assistance for victim service providers and others, 2) public education and prevention, and 3) public policy. UDVC also operates a statewide resource referral line that is available 24 hours a day, 7 days per week to provide free, confidential help to anyone seeking domestic violence resources.
Funding for Domestic Violence Services
FY 2014 funding for domestic violence services in the Division of Child and Family Services ($5,921,700) consists of:
- General Fund (32%)
- Federal grants (52%)
- Victims of Domestic Violence Services Restricted Account (16%)
General Fund
The General Fund is one of the major funds used in state accounting and is defined as all revenues not otherwise provided for by law. The primary stream of income is from sales tax.
Federal grants
DCFS uses three separate federal funding sources to pay for domestic violence services:
- Social Services Block Grant (62% of total federal funding) - a
capped entitlement program available to states without a state matching requirement to help states achieve a wide range of social services policy goals. States are given wide discretion to determine the services to be provided and the groups that may be eligible for services. - Family Violence Prevention Services Act (35%) - provides funding for shelter and supportive services for victims of domestic violence and their dependents and for public awareness about domestic violence.
- Title IV-E (Social Security Act) Foster Care Assistance (3%) - provides funding for (1) foster care maintenance to provide safe and stable out-of-home care for eligible children under the jurisdiction of the state child welfare agency until the children are returned home safely, placed with adoptive families, or placed in other planned arrangements for permanency; (2) training for public agency staff, foster parents, and certain private agency staff; and (3) administrative costs to manage the program.
Victims of Domestic Violence Services Restricted Account
All courts levy a surcharge on fines. Of the amount collected by these surcharges, 4.5 percent is allocated to the Victims of Domestic Violence Services Restricted Account (UCA 51-9-406). A portion of the collections (0.5 percent) goes to the Office of the Attorney General for training. The remaining four percent goes to DCFS for services to victims of domestic violence.
Domestic Violence
In 2012, the U.S. Department of Justice
issued a Special Report titled Intimate
Partner Violence, 1993-2010, (Catalano). This report looks at
trends in nonfatal intimate partner violence which includes "rape, sexual
assault, robbery, aggravated assault, and simple assault committed by an
offender who was the victim
- From 1994 to 2010, the overall rate of intimate partner violence in the U.S. declined by 64 %.
- From 1994 to 2010, about 4 in 5 victims of intimate partner violence were female.
- Females ages 18 to 34 generally experienced the highest rates of intimate partner violence.
- Separated females experienced the highest rate
of intimate partner violence during the 18-year period even though this
category
s rate declined over the period like those rates associated with all other categories. - Intimate partner violence differed by race and ethnicity. All categories declined significantly over the survey period. The Hispanic origin female category had the largest decline. This category of intimate partner violence declined from 18.6 females per 1,000 in 1994 to 4.1 in 2010.
A previous report titled National Intimate Partner and Sexual Violence Survey - 2010 Summary Report (National Center for Injury Prevention and Control, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2011) found that 35.6 % of surveyed women and 28.5 % of surveyed men in the United States reported having experienced "rape, physical violence, and/or stalking by an intimate partner in their lifetime."
A Utah-specific study titled Domestic
Violence Incidence and Prevalence Study, Dan Jones & Associates, commissioned by
the Utah Commission for Women and Families, 2005, identified 36.9 % of
the 1,000 female respondents over age 18 as
Primarily, though not exclusively, a crime committed by men against women including: a pattern of assaultive and coercive behaviors; psychological, sexual, and physical abuse; behavior used by an individual to hurt, dominate, and control an intimate partner.
The Dan Jones & Associates study also concluded "there has been very little change - for the better or worse - in the incidence and prevalence of domestic violence and abuse in Utah since the 1997 study."
The Department of Public Safety has collected annual data since 2008 (see the topic Domestic Violence Report in the minutes of the June 19, 2013 Law Enforcement and Criminal Justice Interim Committee). H.B. 261, Domestic Violence Statistics Reporting (2013 General Session), required the Bureau of Criminal Identification in the Department of Public Safety "to compile the data that it had been collecting on domestic violence and present a report to the Law Enforcement and Criminal Justice Interim Committee." The report was provided to that interim committee in May, 2013 and provides information regarding the relationships of suspects and victims and the number of arrests and the charge associated with those arrests.
In addition, the Division of Child and Family Services provided additional information (e-mail to the Legislative Fiscal Analyst dated November 18, 2013), citing, among other sources shown below, the National Center for Injury Prevention and Control (2006), Understanding Intimate Partner Violence fact sheet):
- Since 2000, domestic violence-related homicides accounted for 39.9% of all adult homicides in Utah (DOH/VIPP).
- One-third of domestic violence perpetrators died by suicide after committing the homicide.
- In Utah, female victims of domestic violence have higher rates of mental illness (29.8% vs. 13.7%) and binge drinking (9.8% vs. 4.3%) than women who have not experienced intimate partner violence (VIPP).
- In 2011, more than 3,400 men, women, and children entered shelters to escape domestic violence.
- CDC studies have shown that 60% to 75% of families with intimate partner violence have children who are also maltreated.
- Being abused or neglected as a child increases the likelihood of arrest as a juvenile by 53% and of arrest for a violent crime as an adult by 38%.
- The number of domestic violence victims turned away from shelter due to lack of beds rose from 1,677 in 2008 to 2,809 in 2012, an increase of 67%.