Utah domestic violence shelters face funding crisis amid rising demand

SALT LAKE CITY (KUTV) — Over the course of several years, 2News Investigates has probed deeply into the issue of domestic violence.

Chief Investigative Reporter Wendy Halloran sat down with the director of public policy for the Utah Domestic Violence Coalition to discuss funding following the 2025 legislative session.

Erin Jemison did not mince words – two key budget requests were rejected – and now she says shelters are full, there are wait lists, and the problem is getting worse – putting more victims in danger. In one case that illustrates the problem of domestic violence.

The victim in this report was visibly shaking as she walked toward the officer attempting to help her.

Body worn camera captured the interaction. It was May 18, 2024 and officers from the Salt Lake City Police Department were called to Daymian Hughes’ house.

Officer McBride was seen on the video talking to a fellow officer about getting the victim, Hughes’ girlfriend, out of the house.

“I need you to really try. Listen, say to her, ‘Listen, I don’t - if you can get out’ We want him by himself in there, if that's Best scenario, they both come out,” he said.

After his girlfriend told a co-worker she wasn't planning on coming into work and was trying to leave him, the co-worker called police.

On video, another officer could be heard speaking to the woman.

“I need you to do whatever you can do to get out of that house right now and run to us. Will you do this please,” she said. “Can you push past him and run out the door to us can you jump out the window?”

Eventually, the couple came outside and sat at the top of the porch steps.

“I'm fine. She's fine I don't trust you, just like you don't trust me,” Hughes told police.

He then ordered her not to listen to the officers.

Sgt. Himle tasked the woman to stand up and come talk to him.

Hughes allowed it, with a condition.

“As long as you stay on the property,” he said. “Don't let them take you off the property.”

She approached the officer.

“I know this is a bad situation and this is your chance to walk away from it right now,” Sgt. Himle said.

“I'm afraid of him,” she whispered.

“I know, but we are all right here. There is nothing he can do,” Sgt. Himle said.

Hughes told the woman to record what the officer said on her phone.

“Make sure your camera is on (bleep) so that you can hear him talking,” he said.

“What’s going to happen?” she asked.

“He’ll probably go to jail,” Sgt. Himle said.

He asked the woman if she felt free to leave the home.

“No,” she said.

“Okay, that's all I need to know,” Sgt. Himle said.

The officers then put Hughes in handcuffs.

Legislators passed a law two years ago requiring police to conduct lethality assessments with victims.

“That law has led to a doubling of victim's coming forward to service providers who are non-profits,” Jemison said.

Lawmakers have been funding money for domestic violence since, but in the most recent legislative session, they denied $1.4 million in funding for organizations that help survivors.

“How do you say to victims, ‘Well, they did some nice things for the past couple of years. We know that’s not when you needed it – now you need help, but they’re going to take a break,” said Jemison. “Come back when they’re ready to talk about it again. We can’t say that to victims.”

Hughes was charged with kidnapping and for taking away the woman’s cellphone. After the preliminary hearing, the case was dismissed without prejudice, meaning it can be refiled.

Hughes was not reachable for this report, and the victim in this case is now safe.

Domestic Violence Resources:

If you or someone you know are experiencing domestic or dating violence, resources are available to help. If you or a loved one are in immediate danger, call 911.

The Utah Domestic Violence Coalition hotline can be reached 24/7 at 1-800-897-5465, or the National Domestic Violence Hotline is available at 1-800-799-7233.

A list of local domestic violence shelters can be found at domesticshelters.org. Resources and shelter are also available through the YWCA of Utah.

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