Structure & History

The Utah Domestic Violence Coalition (UDVC) is a private, nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization recognized nationally for providing expertise on domestic and sexual violence issues to member programs, community partners, and others across Utah.

The UDVC is comprised of members from across the state, representing a variety of disciplines, along with a dedicated Board of Directors — all working together to end domestic violence through advocacy, education, collaboration, and leadership.

As Utah’s statewide coalition, the UDVC brings together domestic violence service providers, allied organizations, policymakers, and community partners to build a united, coordinated response to domestic violence. The UDVC brings together domestic violence service providers, allied organizations, policymakers, and community partners to build a united, coordinated response to domestic violence.

The UDVC:

• Serves as a connector: We unite member programs and stakeholders to share knowledge, resources, and strategies.
• Elevates survivor voices: Our structure ensures that survivors’ and local communities’ experiences guide our work.
• Drives systemic change: We advocate for policies and practices that improve safety, justice, and support for those impacted by domestic violence.
• Shares our expertise: We offer training, technical assistance, and guidance that strengthen services and the delivery of life-saving services throughout Utah.
• Promotes shared responsibility: We help communities, agencies, and individuals unite to prevent violence. Our work helps build safer communities for all and create lasting change.

UDVC’s Essential Focus Areas:

• Advocacy: The UDVC proposes, promotes, and informs policies and practices that enhance survivor safety and empowerment while raising awareness of the need for domestic violence prevention and trauma-informed intervention.
• Education: The UDVC provides technical assistance and training to member programs, law enforcement, and community partners. We work with the media to utilize news platforms to raise awareness of domestic abuse, available resources for survivors,  and the importance of prevention.
• Connection: The UDVC operates the 24-hour confidential LINKLine (1-800-897-LINK / 5465). This important state-wide resource offers trauma-informed support and connects survivors, friends, family members, and service providers to resources.
• Collaboration: The UDVC works closely with victim service providers, key stakeholders, policymakers, and community partners to support comprehensive, trauma-informed services and responses. The UDVC’s membership structure ensures that the voices of survivors and local communities remain central to our mission and inform our work.

Our History: 

The UDVC was founded in 1978 by the Utah Division of Child and Family Services (DCFS). The coalition began as a platform to initiate critical conversations about domestic violence in Utah.

• 1993: UDVC officially incorporated
• 1994: UDVC gained independence from DCFS
• 1998: Achieved 501(c)(3) nonprofit status
• 2013: Transitioned from a council to a coalition, adopting new bylaws to reflect our expanded scope and impact

Today, the UDVC holds national recognition as Utah’s statewide coalition dedicated to addressing domestic violence. We remain steadfast in advocating for survivors, raising awareness, and fostering meaningful change in our communities for everyone impacted by domestic violence.