Victim Advocate

The Victim Advocacy Program of the San Juan County Sheriff’s Office provides help and services to victims of domestic violence, rape, sexual assault and stalking.

Are you in danger now? Do you fear for your safety?

You can contact the victim advocate any time 24/7 at 435-210-2406.

Click here for helpful safety tips and planning for your safety.

About the Program

If you are a victim of domestic violence, sexual assault/rape or stalking, help is available. It is free and you may remain anonymous.

If you or someone you know needs more information about domestic violence, sexual assault, rape or stalking, HELP is available.

CONTACT San Juan County’s Victim Advocate located in the County Sheriff’s Office at 435-587-2237 or the victim advocate at 435-210-2406.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is domestic violence?
Who is affected by domestic violence?
What can you do if you know or suspect someone is being abused?
What is a Victim Advocate?
How can I reach the Victim Advocate?
Do I have to give my name to the Victim Advocate?
If I am a victim of domestic violence, what should I do?
I feel afraid of my abuser. What should I do?
If I am a victim of sexual assault or rape, what should I do?
What is stalking and what can I do if I am being stalked?
What compensation is available to a victim of crime?
What help is available for Native Americans residing on the reservation who are victims of domestic violence, sexual assault or stalking?
What is the San Juan Domestic Violence Coalition?
What are signs of an abusive relationship?

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 affect on children that witness this cycle of violence. Click here for more information.

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.

Click here for helpful safety tips and planning for safety.

For information about Protective Orders, click here.

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.

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 the Sheriff’s office 435-587-2237. You can also page the Victim Advocate at 1-435-210-2406 or e-mail victim.advocate@sanjuancounty.org.

Do I have to give my name to the Victim Advocate?

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

If I am a victim of domestic violence, what should I do?

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

If you are a victim of domestic violence in Utah, Utah law provides you with certain Rights and Remedies. Click here for the “Domestic Violence – Notice of Rights and Remedies.”

If you are a victim of domestic violence and reside in another jurisdiction, contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline for further information: 1-800-799-SAFE (7233). TDD # 1-800-787-3224 or on the web: http://www.ndvh.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!

Click here for helpful safety tips and planning for your safety.

For information about Protective Orders, click here.

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 (435-587-2237, ext. 236 or pager: 1-435-587-1893) to learn more about rape and sexual assault and the services that are available for victims.

What is stalking and what can I do if I am being stalked?

Click here for information about stalking.

What compensation is available to a victim of crime?

In Utah, the Office of Crime Victim Reparations may provide compensation and other services to victims. For more information about Crime Victim Reparations, contact 1-800-621-7444 (http://www.crimevictim.utah.gov/) or contact the San Juan County Victim Advocate at 1-435-587-2237, ext. 236.

What help is available for Native Americans residing on the reservation who are victims of domestic violence, sexual assault or stalking?

If you reside in the Navajo Nation, click here for a list of resources and contact information OR contact the Victim Advocate, 435-587-2237, ext. 236 for more information.

If you reside in the Ute Mountain Ute Tribe or Southern Ute Tribe, click here for a list of resources and contact information OR contact the Victim Advocate, 435-587-2237, ext. 236 for more information.