Domestic Violence & Rape


Domestic Violence is one of the top issues in our country today. With increased awareness and more aggressive legislation, a victim of domestic violence has somewhere to turn.

POLICE RESPONSE
After a report is made USU Police treat it as an emergency and respond quickly. Along with dispatching an Officer(s), a CAPSA (Citizens Against Physical and Sexual Abuse) representative is asked to respond as well. At the scene our first priorities are to stop any immediate acts of violence (whether physical or verbal), care for injuries, protect children involved, and arrest the suspect after investigation.

KNOW THE LAW
Domestic Violence is also known as Cohabitant Abuse. In order for an incident to be considered a "Domestic Violence" situation, the victim must be defined by law as a cohabitant to the suspect, under Utah law 77-36-1 :

16 years old or older, and is or was a spouse, or is or was living as if a spouse, or related by blood or marriage, or has one or more children in common, or resides or has resided in the same residence

Under certain conditions Police Officers do not have discretion in the area of an arrest. Utah law dictates that an Officer "SHALL" arrest if one of the following 3 conditions exists, as outlined in Utah law 77-36-2(3) :

1) Probable cause to believe violence will continue
2) Serious bodily injury has been inflicted
3) A dangerous weapon was used

A victim should be prepared to make a written statement to provide required information for suspect prosecution.

VICTIM'S RIGHTS
Victims have specific rights and should know them to ensure they are granted. A victim has the right to be protected when police arrive, and to have broken laws enforced against their assailant. They must have transportation to a hospital or shelter, offered or arranged for them. A written record must be created concerning the incident in question. And finally, information must be provided about how the victim can obtain civil and criminal protective orders, with or without the assistance of an attorney.

If you are a victim of Domestic Violence and are not ready to file a Police report, please call CAPSA and talk to someone. Your information is strictly confidential.

Business Line - 752-4493
CRISIS Line - 753-2500
USU Police - 797-1939
EMERGENCIES DIAL 911

For questions about Domestic Violence on the USU campus, or to make a suggestion, contact any USU police officer at 797-1939, or dial 911 from any campus phone.