By JENNIFER DOBNER
Associated Press Writer
SALT LAKE CITY (AP) - In its first nine months of full-time operation, an outreach program for those who live in or work with polygamous groups in Utah and Arizona has served more than 1,500 people.
Safety Net was formed as a part-time committee in 2003 by the Utah attorney general's office, which recognized that many from the polygamous culture fail to seek services because they fear prosecution.
One year ago this month, Safety Net launched as a full-time program operated from the Family Support Center, a Utah nonprofit group.
Statistics shows that between July 2008 and March of 2009, 1,500 people were served. Of those, 129 sought victims services for domestic violence, child or sexual abuse. Another 141 sought counseling and 348 service providers received training.
(Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
