Denver Supports Those Experiencing Domestic Violence

Denver Supports Those Experiencing Domestic Violence

Published on October 01, 2025

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month

DENVER - October 1, 2025 - Today, community leaders and partners gathered to mark the start of Domestic Violence Awareness Month (DVAM) and call for greater awareness, prevention, and support for survivors.

Speaking outside the Denver City and County Building, Attorney General Phil Weiser, Denver Mayor Mike Johnston, Denver District Attorney John Walsh, Denver Police Chief Ron Thomas, Rose Andom Center Executive Director Whitney Woods, Project Safeguard Executive Director Jody Curl, Denver Children's Advocacy Center Director of Rapid Response Hollie Reinhart, and artist and survivor MILCK came together to emphasize the urgent need to support survivors and strengthen collaborative responses.

"Domestic violence reaches far beyond closed doors. It isolates partners from community, teaches children to mistrust those who should protect them, and robs families of safety and security," said Mayor Mike Johnston. "That is why we shine a light on it, so we can hold abusers accountable and reaffirm every person's right to live free from fear. We will stand with survivors and stop abusers from hiding in the shadows."

Domestic violence impacts "an average of 24 people per minute are victims of rape, physical violence or stalking by an intimate partner in the United States - more than 12 million women and men over the course of a single year" - according to the National Domestic Violence Hotline. Also, according to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), domestic violence, also known as intimate partner violence, is defined as, "physical violence, sexual violence, stalking and psychological aggression by a current or former intimate partner".

By the numbers in 2024:

• The Rose Andom Center served 1,482 clients, a 6.2% increase over the previous year.
• The Denver Police Domestic Violence Investigation Unit investigated approximately 4,060 cases.
• The Denver District Attorney's Office prosecuted 1,356 DV cases, including 456 strangulation cases.

"Survivors of domestic violence deserve not just our compassion, but our action. By focusing on prevention, accountability, and survivor safety, we can ensure that their courage leads to change and lasting protection. That requires all of us working together, and my office is committed to advancing stronger protections, expanding the use of risk assessment tools, and ensuring that survivors and their children have pathways to safety," said Attorney General Phil Weiser.

"Although crime in Denver has dropped significantly in the last two years, domestic violence cases are the tragic exception," said Denver District Attorney John Walsh. "Our office remains passionately committed to survivors and to holding offenders accountable. We stand with the Rose Andom Center and our partners who are bringing hope and new beginnings."

Founded in 2016, the Rose Andom Center is Colorado's first Family Justice Center, co-locating more than 20 partners under one roof to provide safety, legal advocacy, medical support, and counseling for survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault. The Denver Police Department has a dedicated Domestic Violence Investigations Unit at the Center, working daily with prosecutors and advocates to ensure survivors are protected and offenders are held accountable.

"The Rose Andom Center exists because of the courage of survivors and the commitment of our partners," said Whitney Woods, Executive Director. "This month is a reminder that only through collective action can we truly create safety and hope for families in our community."

Throughout October, DPD will share information about resources and agencies who are able to help survivors at https://www.facebook.com/DenverPolice. Additionally, information about domestic violence myths, red flag behaviors and more can be found at denvergov.org/domesticviolence.

"The Denver Police Department recognizes the importance of a holistic approach to ending intimate partner violence and values the partnerships with those who assist survivors," said Chief Thomas. "DPD has a team of dedicated investigators and victims' advocates to help survivors on their journeys, so please reach out if you need us."

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
• Ellie Caulkins Opera House at the Denver Performing Arts Complex
• Buell Theatre at Denver Performing Arts Complex
• McNichols Civic Center Building
• Ball Arena (only Oct. 5)

If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, call or text 911. For non-emergencies, contact 720-913-2000. Immigration status is not a factor when DPD responds to domestic violence calls, or any reports of crime.

Additional quotes from today:

Project Safeguard Executive Director Jody Curl wants the focus to remain on survivors and supports, "As we recognize DVAM let's honor survivors - not just for surviving, but for their strength, resilience, and voice. Let's support the advocates, mental health counselors, health care professionals, law enforcement, and all organizations who work collectively to provide life-saving support and services, all with too few resources."

"When a parent finds safety, stability, and healing, their children do too," said Hollie Reinhart. "Collaboration is at the heart of everything - because we know we cannot do this alone. It takes survivors, staff, partners, board members, and our community all working together to create safety."

• Police Department