Domestic Violence in Salt Lake County

Domestic violence affects entire families and addressing it requires a coordinated, compassionate response. During Domestic Violence Awareness Month, the Salt Lake County District Attorney’s Office is reaffirming its commitment to protecting families through stronger partnerships, improved case coordination, and survivor-centered support.
 
With support from a U.S. Department of Justice grant, the SLCo DA’s Office has embedded a law enforcement liaison to work directly with police departments across Salt Lake County. This role facilitates regular meetings with domestic and sexual violence sergeants, provides training, and supports case development from the earliest stages. The liaison also brings together law enforcement and partner agencies—including the Children’s Justice Center, DCFS, Wasatch Forensics, and Safe and Healthy Families—for quarterly discussions aimed at improving investigative practices and strengthening cases before they reach court. These efforts ensure that agencies of all sizes have access to consistent resources and best practices when responding to domestic violence.
 
Countywide, the number of domestic violence cases submitted to the SLCo DA’s Office has remained steady, but the number of cases filed has grown. In 2019, 4,164 cases were submitted and 2,566 were filed. By 2024, 4,093 cases were submitted and 2,803 were filed. This narrowing gap suggests that law enforcement and prosecutors are working more closely to ensure that cases are stronger and more complete when they are submitted for review. The Family Protection Unit also filed 1,875 felony domestic violence cases in 2024, the highest number in nearly a decade.
 
The office continues to focus on the broader impact of domestic violence on children. In 2024, there were 857 misdemeanor charges and 332 felony charges filed for committing domestic violence in the presence of a child, up from 782 and 279, respectively, in 2023. These increases reflect the seriousness of these offenses and the office’s commitment to ensuring that children who witness violence are not overlooked in the justice process.
 
“Domestic violence affects more than just individuals, it affects families, and our entire community. We therefore must respond as a community. Our office is committed to working hand-in-hand with law enforcement and community partners to ensure survivors are supported, children are protected, and offenders are held accountable. This is not just a legal issue it is a moral one, and we all have a role to play,” said Salt Lake County District Attorney Sim Gill.

If you need someone to talk to about domestic violence here is one resource: svsutah.org/get-help-now/