Colorado Domestic Abuse Fund

Nationally, it is estimated that one in four women will experience domestic violence in their lifetime. Yearly, this has resulted in nearly 2 million injuries and 1,300 deaths. The Colorado Bureau of Investigation reported over 11,000 incidences of domestic violence in 2007 including assaults, homicides, and other violent crime involving intimate partners.

The Domestic Violence Program (DVP), located within the Colorado Department of Human Services (CDHS), is the sole government entity in the State of Colorado dedicated entirely to funding and sustaining community-based domestic violence victim services organizations across the state. The DVP ensures that services to victims of domestic violence and their children are readily available throughout Colorado's diverse communities.

All Coloradans can help ensure the safety and well-being of victims and their families. Contributions from Individual State Income Tax Refunds to the Colorado Domestic Abuse Fund will support local, community-based efforts to end domestic abuse. CDAF contributions support domestic violence programs and services such as 24-hour emergency access to shelter and advocacy, safety planning, support groups, community education, and treatment for perpetrators.

In 2009, DVP-funded programs responded to nearly 76,000 emergency crisis calls, which is an increase of more than 60% since 2008. The same year, DVP-funded programs provided over 97,000 nights of shelter to 4,611 victims of domestic violence and their children. The need for domestic violence services in Colorado is demonstrated by the services provided but the need is greater than the capacity of many programs, and shelters in Colorado were forced to turn away over 10,000 individuals due to a lack of space.

Contributions assist victims and their children, such as Belinda. After deciding to end an abusive relationship, Belinda resided at a domestic violence shelter in a rural community for several months with her two young children. With assistance from DVP funding, the shelter program was able to advocate for Belinda in obtaining an order of protection from the court, refer her to a legal assistance resources, and advocacy and support services to assist Belinda and her children in building a new life for herself and her children.”

Please remember to make a contribution to the Domestic Abuse Fund this year and every year. Contributions are tax-deductible and will make a difference in communities across the state. Help spread the word and tell friends and family members that they too can contribute.

Contact the Domestic Violence Program:
Colorado Department of Human Services
Office of Behavioral Health and Housing
Domestic Violence Program
1575 Sherman Street, 3rd Floor
Denver, CO 80203
(303) 866-3321