Domestic Violence in Colorado: Top Facts to Know

First observed in 1981 as a “Day of Unity”, Domestic Violence Awareness Month is about shining a light on the realities of domestic violence. It is through education and awareness that we gain the information and tools to take action and make lasting change. Here are some key facts and statistics about Domestic Violence in Colorado and its effect on our communities.

The Basics

• The Arkansas Valley Resource Center was created in 1987, in response to a domestic violence murder that occurred in the 16th Judicial District (Bent, Otero, and Crowley Counties).
• Domestic Violence (DV), under the Colorado Revised Statutes (CRS Title 18 Criminal Code § 18-6-8003), is defined as an act or threatened act of violence upon a person whom the actor is or has been involved in an intimate relationship. It further defines “intimate relationship” as a relationship between spouses, former spouses, past or present unmarried couples, or persons who are both the parents of the same child, regardless of whether the persons have been married or have lived together at any time.
• DV, per Colorado Law, is a criminal sentence enhancement. This means that if a DV perpetrator is charged and convicted, the sentence of the crime(s) committed (harassment, assault, etc.) increases, due to the potential lethality of the situation.
• In Colorado DV cases, if law enforcement has probable cause to establish that DV has occurred, the perpetrator is to be automatically arrested. Additionally, the perpetrator is to be held without bond until they go before a Judge for advisement, and a mandatory (criminal) no-contact protection order is issued.
• Colorado DV cases cannot be dropped by the victim in the case. It is at the discretion of the State, specifically the prosecuting District Attorney’s Office, to dismiss a case or “drop charges”.
• Per the Colorado Victim Rights Act (VRA), Domestic Violence is considered a violent crime. As such, victims of DV are afforded certain rights to be protected throughout duration of the criminal justice process under the Colorado VRA.
• As a VRA protected crime, the victims of a DV case that has been reported and charged may be able to access Colorado Crime Victim Compensation (CVC) funds to pay for expenses that were the result of their victimization.

The Impacts

• In 2024, AVRC provided services to 410 new victims of domestic violence.
• Per the Colorado DV Fatality Review Board’s 2024 Annual Report, “rural counties in Colorado [are] experiencing a disproportionately higher rate of [domestic violence fatalities] compared to urban areas.”
• Of the 267 cases of murder reported to the Colorado Bureau of Investigation (CBI) in 2024, murders committed by intimate partners accounted for 13%.
• In the Federal Fiscal Year of 2024, domestic violence survivors and their children made up 29% of all victims who were assisted by Colorado Crime Victim Compensation funds.
• In the 16th Judicial District (Bent, Crowley, Otero County), domestic violence survivors and their children made up approximately 23% of the total victims within the district who were assisted by CVC funds in 2024.
• Of the 6,114 cases of sex offenses reported to CBI in 2024, 14% were perpetrated by an intimate partner.
• In Colorado, 37% of women and 31% of men have experienced physical violence, sexual violence, or stalking by an intimate partner.

Domestic violence cannot and will not end on its own. In order to stop this violence, we must use the tools available to address it. It is important to remember that #Every1KnowsSome1 who is a victim or survivor of abuse, and that our actions can make a difference. Sharing information, educating others about the myths and facts of DV, and showing support for the victims and survivors in your communities can make a significant difference.

If you are experiencing or have previously experienced domestic violence, or if someone you care about is in an abusive situation, know that you are not alone, and support is available to help you. All you have to do is reach out!

AVRC staff is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year!

415 Colorado Avenue, La Junta, CO 81050
(719) 384-7764
TTY: (719) 384-1938
After Hours Colorado Relay dial 711 or 1-800-659-2656

AVRC is non-discriminatory agency regarding age, race, religion, color, gender, country of national origin, sexual orientation, mental health status, substance use or economic condition.