FAQs

Victim Advocate

• Do I Have To Give My Name To The Victim Advocate?

  No.  You may remain anonymous.  All services are Free.

• How Can I Reach The Victim Advocate?

  If you have an emergency, call 9-1-1.

  If you have a non-emergency, or want to talk to someone, contact the Victim Advocate at:

  Amber McArthur
  amcarthur@sanjuancounty.org

• I Feel Afraid Of My Abuser. What Should I Do?

  If at any time you are in a scary situation and you fear for your safety or the safety of others call 9-1-1!

   

• If I Am A Victim Of Sexual Assault Or Rape, What Should I Do?

  If you have an emergency, call 9-1-1.

  Rape is forced sexual intercourse. It is a crime of violence. Reporting to local law enforcement may help give you peace of mind and prevent the rapist from committing another assault.

  You should take advantage of any counseling service available to you. Emotional support is very important.

  Remember: Do not accept blame for what another person has done to you. No one asks to be raped. Sexual assault is never the fault of the victim.

  Contact the San Juan County Victim Advocate

  Amber McArthur
  amcarthur@sanjuancounty.org

  to learn more about rape and sexual assault and the services that are available for victims.

• What Can You Do If You Know Or Suspect Someone Is Being Abused?

  If someone you know is being abused you need to first address any immediate safety needs. If the victim is currently in danger ask him/her if he/she wants you to call the police or an ambulance. Once a victim’s immediate safety needs have been met, the most important thing you can do is listen. It is important to relay to the victim that “No one deserves to be abused”, and that he/she is not alone. Do not tell the victim what to do or place any negative blame on his/her actions. Let the victim know she is not responsible for the abuse, and that only the abuser can stop the abusive behavior.

   

• What Is A Victim Advocate?

  In San Juan County, the victim advocate is available 24/7 to help women who are victims of domestic violence, sexual assault/rape or stalking. The Victim Advocate can help by providing the following services:

  24 hour on-call.

  Crisis intervention.

  Safety planning.

  Court support.

  Assistance filing protective orders, civil stalking injunctions and applications for Utah Legal Services and Crime Victim Reparations.

  Resource referrals (shelters, mental health counseling, Workforce services, Adult Protective Services, DCFS, etc.)
  Transportation as needed.

  Notary Public.

• What is domestic violence?

  Domestic violence crimes are about power, control, domination and fear. When one person exhibits a pattern of attempting to gain power and control over someone they have or had a relationship with, by using physical and sexual violence, threats, emotional abuse, financial control, legal status, harassment, or stalking, he/she is committing domestic violence. These control factors are also used to alienate victims from their family, friends, and co-workers, providing the victim no feasible support system to leave the relationship. (Domestic violence is also known as partner abuse and spousal abuse.)

• Who is affected by domestic violence?

  Domestic violence used to be thought of as a family problem, a private issue in which outsiders should not get involved. The truth is, domestic violence affects everyone! Whether you are a neighbor who is hesitant to call the police or a co-worker who doesn’t want to pry, someone else’s family abuse problem is your problem also. Domestic violence occurs among all age groups, genders, races, educational backgrounds, denominations, and socioeconomic groups.

  Children: Domestic violence also has a profound effect on children that witness this cycle of violence.