AI-generated illustration; not a photograph of the reported event.
- calendar_today October 21, 2026
Rallying for Change: Third Annual 'Dear Utah' Event
The steps of the Utah State Capitol became a gathering place for survivors, advocates, and community members during the third annual 'Dear Utah' rally. The event aimed to increase awareness about the prevalence of domestic violence in Utah and to offer support and resources to those affected.
Personal Stories Drive Home the Impact
Kellie Anderson of Salt Lake City shared her personal connection to the cause. Anderson's sister, Stacey, was murdered by her husband in 2016. Since then, Anderson has become a vocal advocate, using her story to highlight the widespread impact of domestic violence utah. "She was murdered in 2016 by her husband and since she was murdered, I try to do my best to bring my voice forward so people realize domestic violence happens and you don't have to lose someone to realize the impact that it makes," said Anderson.
Highlighting Domestic Violence Statistics
Speakers at the rally, including leaders from utah nonprofits, emphasized the importance of community outreach and accurate information. Amanda Tullis, board chair of the Safe Harbor Crisis Center, noted a disconnect between public perception and reality. "Only 21% of people in Utah believe the statistic that one in three women and one in seven men are impacted by this work and with the amount of people that we had here we can see that there's a lot of people who understand the mission is to help those that survive this," she stated.
Building Community and Providing Domestic Violence Resources
The rally served as a venue for survivor support and access to domestic violence resources. Attendees found strength in shared experiences and the presence of experts ready to help. Mayci Neeley, from the show 'Secret Lives of Mormon Wives', reflected on her own changed perspective: "There is power in our stories and our voices, and I'm so glad that I can use mine especially for this topic and bring awareness, because I was one of those people who was naïve, thinking that nothing bad happened in Utah... there is still things happening here like domestic violence and we need to be aware of it."
Honoring Survivors and Victims
The emotional nature of the rally was evident as participants remembered those lost to utah domestic abuse and found comfort in shared understanding. "Every time I come to one of these things it's emotional for us, because we did lose someone and not everybody that's here has lost someone. But the people that are here that have lost someone or have been a victim of domestic violence, they really understand what kind of toll it takes on people," said Anderson.
Looking Ahead: Continued Community Outreach
Organizers of the dear utah rally reported that this year’s event was the largest yet. They expressed hopes for ongoing community outreach and more opportunities to raise domestic violence awareness and promote domestic violence prevention in the state. The rally stands as a testament to the power of collective voices and underscores the ongoing need for support, education, and survivor support in Utah.
Source: fox13now.com.
