1. Victim and Witness Rights
- Utah Office for Victims of Crime (UOVC)
Offers victim compensation, legal advocacy, and information about crime victim rights under state law. - Utah Attorney General – Crime Victim Support
Provides assistance navigating the criminal justice process, including protection order guidance and referrals.
2. Free and Low-Cost Legal Aid Programs
- Utah Legal Services
Offers free legal representation in civil matters, including domestic violence, harassment, and protective orders. - LawHelpUtah
Provides self-help tools, court forms, and referrals for stalking, defamation, and cyber harassment issues.
3. Relevant Laws
- Stalking: Utah Code Ann. § 76-5-106.5
What it means: Engaging in repeated, unwanted behavior that causes fear for personal safety. Includes digital stalking, surveillance, and following. - Harassment: Utah Code Ann. § 76-5-106
What it means: Involves repeatedly contacting or communicating with someone in a way that intends to intimidate or seriously annoy. Applies to both in-person and digital acts. - Bullying: No adult criminal statute. Covered under Utah Code § 53G-9-601 (Safe Schools Act)
What it means: Requires public schools to adopt anti-bullying and cyberbullying policies. Includes prevention training and student reporting protections. - Defamation: Civil tort, not criminal. Based on Utah common law.
What it means: Victims may sue for libel or slander if false statements cause reputational or financial harm. Utah does not criminalize defamation.
4. Reporting and Hotlines
- Call 911 in emergencies or immediate threats to safety.
- Non-emergency incidents can be reported to local law enforcement or through the district court.
- Utah Domestic Violence Coalition (UDVC)
Connects survivors to shelters, legal advocates, and emergency support services statewide. - Statewide Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-897-7233
24/7 confidential support and resource connection throughout Utah.
5. Support Organizations
- Utah Domestic Violence Coalition
A statewide network supporting survivors through emergency services, legal aid, and trauma recovery programs. - Your Community Connection (YCC) – Ogden
Offers shelter, legal advocacy, and counseling services to individuals and families affected by abuse or harassment.
6. Civil Remedies and Protection Orders
Utah courts offer Stalking Injunctions and Protective Orders for individuals who experience abuse, stalking, or harassment. Orders may include restrictions on contact, proximity, or digital communication. Legal aid organizations and court clerks can assist with filing and preparation.
Important Note on Jurisdiction: If the individual you are seeking a restraining order against lives in a different state, your local court may not have jurisdiction to enforce that order. In most cases, you must file for protection in the state where that individual resides or where the conduct occurred. This applies even in situations involving online harassment, defamation, or stalking. Contact legal aid services in both your state and the other person’s state for guidance.
7. Youth and School Resources
- Utah State Board of Education – Bullying Prevention
Offers school guidance on reporting bullying, policy enforcement, and student training programs.
8. Court Forms and Filing Help
- Utah Courts – Protective & Stalking Orders
Provides downloadable forms, step-by-step instructions, and help locating legal assistance.
9. Online Safety and Privacy Tools
- NNEDV Tech Safety Toolkit
Resources for managing online security, avoiding digital abuse, and recovering from cyber harassment or tracking.
Disclaimer: This information is provided for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.
