February 1, 2013 — In a new Chief’s Message video posted online today, Police Chief Chris Burbank talks about resources devoted to domestic violence investigations, as well as services available to victims.

Filmed in the offices of the Family Justice Center at the YWCA of Salt Lake City, Chief Burbank spoke with Detective Thorsten Beger about the streamlined services available on-site. “This center is unique in our area,” Beger said, adding, “it is the only Family Justice Center where we have basically a one-stop-shop for our victims — for people in need, for people in crisis, and also for people that just need maybe a little bit of information.”

In addition to the Domestic Violence Unit of the Salt Lake City Police Department, the Family Justice Center, 344 E. 300 S., includes the following partners:

• Prosecutors
• Civil Legal Clinic/Attorney
• Community-based advocates
• Government-based advocates
• Volunteer program
• Child advocacy specialists

While making the decision to leave an abusive situation is never easy, Beger emphasized the resources available to victims of domestic violence. “You’re not going to be alone,” he said, noting the Family Justice Center even works with local animal shelters willing to house the family pets of victims worried about leaving them behind.

The domestic violence crisis/information hotline, (801) 580-7969, is available to those ready to leave their abusers or individuals simply seeking information. Said Beger: “From that line, you can get in touch with a crisis worker, you can get in touch with a victim advocate [and] a lot of people who can help discuss with you your options, resources that are available and, if a crime has occurred, then the crime can be reported that way as well.”

About the Chief’s Message

Chief Burbank issues a monthly video message to help the public reduce its exposure to, or mitigate the effects of, crime. All Chief’s Messages are archived on the newsroom page of www.police.slc.gov and the Chief’s Message playlist of www.youtube.com/saltlakecitypolice.

Contact: Reporters seeking comment should contact the Public Information Officer at 801.799.NEWS (6397).

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