Polygamy
Polygamy is illegal in Utah and forbidden by the Arizona constitution. However, law enforcement agencies in both states have decided to focus on crimes within polygamous communities that involve child abuse, domestic violence and fraud. The Utah Attorney General's Office and the Arizona Attorney General's Office also worked together to produce "The Primer---Helping Victims of Domestic Violence and Child Abuse in Polygamous Communities." This manual provides basic information about various polygamous communities that will assist human services professionals, law enforcement officers and others in helping victims from these communities. The Primer will be updated regularly to reflect modifications in the law and changes in each organization's beliefs and practices. Click here to read or print the latest PDF version of The Primer.
If you are a victim of domestic violence or abuse and need immediate help, please call Utah's free, confidential Linkline at 1-800-897-LINK (5465).
Safety Net Committee
The Safety Net Committee began in 2003 and currently holds monthly meetings in Salt Lake City and St. George, Utah, Colorado City, Arizona and Creston, British Columbia. Government agencies, non-profits and interested individuals work together to insure that people associated with the practice of polygamy have the same educational opportunities and access to justice, safety and services as the general public. This is done through a coordinated effort to open communication, break down barriers and accomplish these original goals: provide training and develop materials for public awareness; reduce isolation, secrecy, abuses of power and crime; and find ways to provide access and education to members of polygamous communities. More information can be found in The Primer.
The Safety Net Directory - Agencies and Organizations Helping Victims of Domestic Violence and Child Abuse in Polygamous Communities (pdf) - produced by the Arizona Attorney General's office.
Safe Passage Grant - The Utah Attorney General's Office is also a partner with the Safe Passage Grant, a grant from the U.S. Department of Justice's Office on Violence Against Women that provides resources to victims of domestic violence from polygamous communities. The grant offers money for housing, legal help, transportation, social workers, law enforcement officers and a public awareness campaign. The grant has paid to produce these Safe Passage Newsletters that are being distributed to people living in polygamous communities.