DENVER (Oct. 8, 2025) — The Colorado Department of Human Services (CDHS) joins communities across the state and nation to recognize Domestic Violence Awareness Month this October. Under this year’s theme — “With Survivors, Always” — Colorado honors the strength of survivors, raising awareness about domestic violence and reminding Coloradans that free and confidential help is always available.
“Domestic violence is more common than many realize,” said Dr. Meghan Stidd, director of the Division of Community Programs at CDHS. According to the National Domestic Violence Hotline, “over 1 in 3 women (35.6%) and 1 in 4 men (28.5%) in the US have experienced rape, physical violence, and/or stalking by an intimate partner in their lifetime. Anyone, regardless of gender, income, race and sexual identity can be affected.”
In 2024, organizations in Colorado that support survivors:
- Responded to more than 61,000 crisis intervention calls;
- Provided shelter to more than 4,400 people; and
- Offered help, safety planning and support to more than 16,000 people.
Even with these critical supports, survivors continue to face challenges like finding safe housing, legal and financial help, transportation, food and access to health care.
“The more than 61,000 crisis calls last year show both the need and the dedication of Colorado’s service providers,” said Sen. Dafna Michaelson Jenet, president pro tempore of the Colorado Senate. “As legislators, we have a responsibility to continue supporting resources that protect families and help survivors rebuild their lives.”
Domestic violence is not limited to physical harm. It often includes patterns of control such as psychological abuse, financial coercion and isolation. These tactics can have long-lasting effects on survivors and their families.
CDHS also worked with the Safe Access for Victims’ Economic Security (SAVES) Demonstration Grant advisory board and partners to make Colorado’s child support website safer for people experiencing violence with a quick exit button. This new feature appears as a pop-up on the website and allows visitors to quickly exit the site to a Google search page.
“As a survivor of domestic violence, I know firsthand the challenges survivors must face and overcome,” said state Rep. Monica Duran, Colorado’s House majority leader. “My passion for public service is fueled by the bravery, resiliency and strength of survivors. As a fierce advocate for survivors, I am committed to championing legislation to raise awareness, support survivor services, and address failures in the system.”
Coloradans can find free and confidential help at violencefreecolorado.org. There are more than 45 organizations on the website that provide services to survivors of domestic abuse and their families. Services include advocacy, support groups, safety planning, shelter, housing information and legal support.
Anyone can also call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 800-799-7233.
People who may have harmed or controlled a partner can reach out to the A Call For Change Helpline at 877-898-3411 for help in building safe and healthy relationships.
Colorado's Domestic Violence Program contracts with community-based domestic and sexual violence advocacy organizations throughout Colorado that provide no-cost, voluntary and confidential services to people experiencing domestic and sexual violence in Colorado. To learn more, visit cdhs.colorado.gov/dvp.
Media contact:
Carla Rodríguez
Public Awareness Communications Specialist
Office of Children, Youth and Families
720-951-6177
carla.a.rodriguez@state.co.us