SHINE

Be the light survivors
can turn to

Survivors of child abuse can and do lead rich, fulfilling lives. Healing happens, and hope is possible. It’s time to bring the conversation about abuse out of the shadows and into the light. It’s time to SHINE.

Resources for Survivors

Shine Campaign

WHY WE SHINE

We are stars, lighting a universe of support for survivors.

SHINE is a national campaign to transform the conversation about child abuse. For too many, childhood is where the trauma starts. But survivors need to know they are not alone—their light connects to other lights in a universe of support. Be the light in your community that helps kids through your local Children's Justice Center.


Children’s Justice
Centers

The mission of Children’s Justice Centers is to provide a comfortable, neutral, child-friendly atmosphere for children to receive coordinated services during the child abuse investigative process.

WHAT IS CVR & CAN I APPLY FOR FUNDING?

If you are the victim of a crime, you may be eligible for compensation whether the perpetrator is convicted or not. Crime Victim’s Reparation (CVR) can provide financial resources to victims of crime to help cover costs that resulted from the crime. CVR can assist with costs of medical care, counseling, and other specific needs in relation to the crime. To qualify for reparations, a police report must be filed and the offense must have occurred in Utah or the victim must be a Utah resident. If the offense occurs in a state other than Utah, the reparations claim is filed with that state’s reparations office (every state has a comparable program). The program is administered through the Utah Office for Victims of Crime (UOVC).

To submit an application for the Crime Victim Reparations Program, please read the informative brochure below, fill out the applicable form, and mail the completed form to the address listed. A parent can also apply on behalf of their children:

CVR Application Process:

1. First the application must be submitted to the CVR office which often takes between 30-45 days to be processed.

2. Next you will be mailed an initial letter letting you know that your application was received.

3. CVR will then request a copy of the police report from the investigating detective to verify the crime occurred and then your application will be reviewed for approval.

4. You will then receive a second letter in the mail stating whether your claim has been approved. If approved, you will be given a claim number and assigned a CVR officer who will work directly with you to disperse funds as needed.

Please note: CVR applications are available on the basis that a crime occurred, and that the victim is cooperating with the investigation. The funds are not determined by your legal status. CVR funds are not based on personal income and do not need to be reimbursed. Once approved, your claim remains open for a three-year period.

If you have any questions regarding CVR, please call the Utah Office for Victims of Crime directly at 801‑238‑2360 or toll-free at 1‑800‑621‑7444.

If you suspect child abuse is occurring, please call the 24/7 hotline:

1-855-323-3237

Who can I speak with?

Child (Under 18)

1. Questions About Crime Victim Reparations (CVR)

What are CVR funds and can I still apply?

2. I Suspect Child Abuse is Currently Happening OR I NEED TO MAKE A REPORT

Please call the 24/7 Child Abuse Intake Line through the Division of Child and Family Services: 1‑855‑323‑3237. The primary goal of Child and Family Services is to protect children from abuse, neglect, or dependency, as well as to serve their family members who may experience violence in the home. You may also report suspected child abuse to your local law enforcement agency.

Utah law requires any person who has reason to believe that a child has been subjected to abuse, neglect, or dependency to immediately notify the nearest office of Child and Family Services, a peace officer, or a law enforcement agency. Abuse, neglect, or dependency of a child can be physical, emotional, or sexual.

Adult (Over 18) abused as a child

If you are an adult who was abused as a child, you may still be eligible for services. For more info, contact:

1. Utah’s 24-hour Sexual Violence Crisis Line – 1-888-421-1100

The Utah Sexual Violence Crisis Line is a safe, confidential service offered to sexual violence survivors anywhere in the state. When you call the 24-hour sexual violence crisis line, you’ll be routed to a local organization in your area based on the first six digits of your phone number.

Many of the advocates who staff the phone lines are trained by the Utah Coalition Against Sexual Assault (UCASA) and are part of the larger UCASA family. To be allowed to take calls from the crisis line, affiliates must agree to uphold strict confidentiality standards to protect the privacy of every caller.

Professional staff and certified volunteers provide 24-hour care and support to sexual violence survivors, their loved ones, and their broader network of supporters and allies in a variety of languages.

2. Utah Coalition Against Sexual Assault “You Are a Survivor” App

Recovering from sexual assault is a process that looks different for each of us. It may take weeks, months, or years but there is no specific timetable for healing. Survivors experience the assault and healing process in a very personal way. But, healing is possible.

UCASA designed the following resources to help you understand your experience as a survivor:

Click here to download the You Are A Survivor mobile application.

3. Utah Crime Victims Legal Clinic

The legal clinic is designed to provide free legal representation to crime victims when victims’ rights issues are at stake. The Legal Clinic is available to serve victims of all types of crime and has a statewide focus.

Click here to visit the Utah Crime Victims Legal Clinic website.

4. Younique Foundation

The effects of child sexual abuse are real, long–lasting, and may negatively impact your life. However, hope and healing are possible. The Younique Foundation’s services can help you heal and take your life back.

Click here to visit the Younique Foundation website.

5. Questions About Crime Victim Reparations (CVR)

What are CVR funds and can I still apply?

Support SHINE & My Local CJC

SHINE Be the light survivors can turn to
#SHINE: Be the light survivors can turn to

Why we shine: SHINE is a national initiative to end the stigma around child abuse and encourage community members to support survivors. SHINE celebrates the resiliency of survivors and the critical role of CJCs in helping children find hope, support, and healing.

How can I help? No matter who you are, you can make a difference for survivors of child abuse. There are many ways to help end the stigma, support adult survivors, and provide real help to children experiencing abuse now. Here are a few examples of how you can pledge support for SHINE:

  • Learn about my local Children’s Justice Center (CJC), and share the info with family & friends
  • Support a survivor in my life and connect them to resources
  • Share SHINE social media posts across my channels
  • Share my own story of survivorship to help others
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To Learn More: If you would like to request further information about ways you can support SHINE and/or your local CJC, please fill out the form below:

To learn more about the national SHINE Campaign, please visit SHINECAMPAIGN.ORG

Universe of Support