City and County of Denver, CO

10/01/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 10/01/2024 15:44

Denver Supports Those Experiencing Domestic Violence

Denver Supports Those Experiencing Domestic Violence

Published on October 01, 2024

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month

DENVER - Tuesday, October 1, 2024 - Today, in honor of Domestic Violence Awareness Month, Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser, Majority Leader State Representative Monica Duran, Denver Mayor Mike Johnston, Margaret Abrams, Executive Director of the Rose Andom Center, Jennifer Caruso Chief Executive Officer of SafeHouse Denver, Roshan Kalantar Executive Director of Violence Free Colorado, and brave survivor of domestic violence, Krystal Ryan gathered to bring awareness to domestic violence, also known as intimate partner violence. October is designated Domestic Violence Awareness Month to bring recognition to the resilience of survivors and support for those needing assistance, while educating the community about intimate partner violence.

"Domestic violence festers in solitude and this month we are reminded that everyone deserves to live free from fear and abuse," said Mayor Mike Johnston. "As a community, we must continue to support survivors, hold abusers accountable, and create pathways to safety and healing for all."

Today's "One Mile Closer to Hope" walk represented the coming together of the community to show support for survivors of domestic violence and bring overall awareness to the dangers of intimate partner violence. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), domestic violence is defined as, "physical violence, sexual violence, stalking and psychological aggression by a current or former intimate partner", and more than "61 million women and 53 million men have experienced psychological aggression by an intimate partner in their lifetime".

Identifying the abuse and taking steps to receive help can be overwhelming, which is why the Rose Andom Center operates as a family justice model with many options for services and resources in one location. At the Rose Andom Center, survivors have access to advocates, receive medical attention, fill out restraining orders, obtain information and support on how to leave their abuser, and more.

"During Domestic Violence Awareness Month, our voices can break the silence that too often surrounds this critical issue," said Margaret Abrams. "Every story shared and every truth spoken serves as a powerful reminder to survivors that they are not alone in their journey. Together, we can illuminate the path to healing, fostering a community of support, understanding, and compassion."

Also, the Rose Andom Center provides access to other partners in domestic violence, two of which include SafeHouse Denver and Violence Free Colorado. SafeHouse Denver, offering bilingual options, serves survivors of domestic violence and their children through an emergency shelter, a non-residential counseling and advocacy center and an extended stay program. Violence Free Colorado works with hundreds of organizations and individuals in local communities across the state to prevent and end relationship violence and support those affected by relationship abuse.

"For the past 47 years, SafeHouse Denver has been the only organization specifically for domestic violence survivors within the city and county of Denver," said Jennifer Caruso. "SafeHouse Denver offers a wide range of services, including but not limited to emergency housing, transitional housing, a 24-hour crisis and information line, advocacy-based counseling, and safety planning. In 2023, SafeHouse Denver added a Community Engagement program and expanded its LGBTQ+ and youth outreach. This school year, SafeHouse Denver will provide healthy relationship programming and services in eight Denver schools or youth-focused organizations."

"Domestic Violence Awareness Month (DVAM) is a time to bring attention to the experiences, and resiliency of survivors, and to the advocates from every corner of our state who provide daily support, compassion and care to hundreds of survivors and their families," said Roshan Kalantar. "Domestic violence/Partner violence is a public health crisis that impacts everyone."

Another option available at the Rose Andom Center is the choice to involve law enforcement. The Denver Police Department has a specialized domestic violence investigative unit which works with the Denver District and City Attorney Offices. These partners recognize the complexity of intimate partner violence and work to hold abusers accountable. If someone is experiencing abuse, they are encouraged to contact Denver Police by texting or calling 911 in the event of an emergency or 720-913-2000 for non-emergencies. The Denver Police Department does not inquire about immigration status when responding to the call or investigating the case.

By the numbers:

  • At least 1,500 survivors were served at the Rose Andom Center in 2023, including those served by partners. Year-to-date, Rose Andom Center provided risk assessment, safety planning and connection to services for 900 survivors.
  • 6,706 people connected with SafeHouse Denver in 2023
  • There were more than 3,600 domestic violence cases assigned to the Denver Police Department Domestic Violence unit in 2023

Services:

Throughout the month of October, the Denver Police Department will continue to remind survivors that their voices are important and that there are many agencies available and willing to listen to their story and concerns. Those messages will be shared at www.facebook.com/DenverPolice. Additionally, information about available resources, domestic violence myths and red flags, and more can be found at denvergov.org/domesticviolence.

The following partners are helping Denver "shine a light" on the importance of bringing awareness to intimate partner violence by illuminating the following buildings in purple the first week of October:

  • Denver City and County Building
  • Denver Performing Arts Complex
  • McNichols Civic Center Building
  • Ball Arena (only Oct. 5)
Tagged as: