#DVAM2019 Denver Awareness and Resources
By: We Are Seeds
Tags: Denver, Resources, Domestic Violence, Intimate Partner Abuse, Dvam2019

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Domestic violence is a societal epidemic and contrary to myth and stigma, it affects all communities nationwide, regardless of demographics, economic status, or geography. That includes our very own neighborhood.

According to Violence Free Colorado (VFC), our state coalition against domestic violence and relationship abuse, “Domestic violence is a pattern of coercive, controlling behavior that can include physical abuse, emotional or psychological abuse, sexual abuse or financial abuse (using money and financial tools to exert control).” Despite being pervasive in our society, stigma and shame silence many victims of abuse, and domestic violence is often called a “silent epidemic.”

Please keep in mind that abuse is not the victim’s fault, despite what the abuser might claim, and that nearly one in four adult women is a victim of domestic violence in her lifetime. There is a strong community of help for those who are affected by domestic violence, here in Denver and Colorado, and no survivor is as alone as they may feel.

This is an urgent issue — an average of three women are killed by a current or former intimate partner each day in America. Additionally, being exposed to violence is considered an Adverse Childhood Experience (ACE). ACEs can result in a wide range of negative outcomes for children including problems, including interpersonal skill deficits, psychological and emotional problems such as depression and PTSD, and externalizing behavior problems. An estimated one in six children aged 0–17 years and one third of 14 to 17-year-olds will witness violence against a parent in their lifetime.

Abusers come from all walks of life and fit no typical demographic or specific identity or appearance. The common thread between abusers is their behaviors, and there are “red flags” that may indicate an abusive mindset and warrant concern and exploration. According to VFC, they include:

· They may insist on moving too quickly into a relationship.

They can be very charming and may seem too good to be true.

They might insist that their partner stop participating in leisure activities or spending time with family and friends.

They can be extremely jealous or controlling.

They may not take responsibility for their actions and blame others for everything that goes wrong.

They might criticize their partner’s appearance and make frequent put-downs.

Their words and actions may not match.

If you or someone you know needs support for domestic violence, the organizations below provide advocates who can listen and help you sort out options, help with safety planning, information about welfare, CPS, disability services, immigration, housing, employment protections, emergency shelter or other safe lodging on a temporary basis, longer term housing options for individuals and families, emergency financial support, support groups for children, youth, and adults, legal advocacy, information about protection orders and other civil matters, and more.

However, if you are in a crisis or need immediate help, dial 911 or call the National Domestic Violence Hotline: (800) 799-SAFE (7233) or TTY (800) 787−3224

Rose Andom Center

Denver, CO (Serving Denver County)

Crisis: 720–337–4400

Website: http://roseandomcenter.org

Colorado Anti-Violence Project (serving LGBTQ populations statewide)

Crisis: 888.557.4441

Admin: 303–839–5204

Website: http://www.coavp.org

Project Safeguard (legal advocacy services)

Denver 720.865.9159 * (not a crisis line)

Website: https://psghelps.org

SafeHouse Denver, Inc.

Denver, CO (Serving Denver County)

Crisis: 303.318.9989

Admin: 303.318.9959

Website: https://safehouse-denver.org

*This article was originally written for the Greater Park Hill News but not published.