Safe Harbor Crisis Center Serves Community

Domestic violence and sexual assault are realities in our community, and victims can require immediate assistance and removal from their living circumstances in ensure their safety.

In Davis County, the support needed in these situations is offered at Safe Harbor Crisis Center. This nonprofit organization provides shelter, support services and advocacy for women, men and children who are victims of these heinous abuses.

“We love what we do, but we hate that there is a need,” said Cheryl McIntyre, director of development for the center.

Approximately one in three Utah women will experience some form of sexual violence in their lifetimes, and about 80 Utah children witness the murder or attempted murder of their mother each year.

In 2020, the lockdowns and stress of the COVID-19 pandemic increased the problem locally, with Safe Harbor providing more than 53,000 individual services that year. As of the end of October, the center had served more than 5,000 people.

The services provided by Safe Harbor include an emergency shelter with 10 bedrooms, a kitchen and a communal living area. Those in immediate danger can stay in the shelter for up to 45 days with their children.

For those needing longer-term living arrangements, Safe Harbor provides Hope Housing, where clients can live in an apartment for several months.

Police departments in all 15 Davis County cities as well as the county sheriff’s department work with Safe Harbor to immediately place people in the emergency shelter who are considered in danger. Others who are looking to escape a bad situation can contact the center directly by calling 801-444-9161.

The location of the emergency shelter is kept secret for the safety of those who are staying there. Access to the shelter is tightly controlled, with badges required to enter all areas.

Other services include therapy sessions and financial assistance for housing. The center also provides Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners, who perform forensic exams to collect evidence for possible perpetrator prosecution or identification, and Sexual Assault Advocates, who accompany victims to these exams to offer support and other services.

A children’s advocate works at the center to help parents with their daily needs and support children affected by domestic violence. “We don’t want these little kids to suffer for something that they have no control over,” McIntyre said.

All services are provided to clients free of charge. Funding for the center comes through grants and donations.

A great deal of help at the center comes in the form of volunteers. Some work at the emergency shelter, doing everything from answering phone calls to providing facility maintenance. Community members host various drives to collect items or raise funds as well as organize service projects.

In November of 2022, the Davis Chamber of Commerce’s Women in Business organization chose to support Safe Harbor Crisis Center through a collection drive that brought in items in constant need at the center. These items included diapers, formula, new breast pumps, laundry detergent and more.

Information about donating your time and talents at Safe Harbor Crisis Center can be found at the Safe Harbor website, safeharborhope.org. There, you can find descriptions of the opportunities that are available. Financial donations may also be made on the center’s website.

A list of constantly needed items as well as current needs can be found at safeharborhope.org/offer-hope/shopgive/. These items can be dropped off at the Safe Harbor Lifeline and Prevention Center, 223 Larson Lane, Layton. All items must be new, including clothing.