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DENVER (KDVR) — A new report from the Colorado Domestic Violence Fatality Review Board shows domestic violence deaths rose nearly 25% last year, even as the state’s overall homicide rate hit a 5-year low.
According to the report, 72 domestic violence deaths happened in 2024, 24% up from the prior year. For eight children last year, the violence they witnessed became the violence that killed them.
“Of course, it’s devastating,” said David Karnes, Public Policy and Community Impact Specialist at Violence Free Colorado. “I think when we’re seeing rates of crime go down overall, but this particular crime is going up, it highlights that our response has to be as complex and dynamic as the challenges themselves.”‘
Nearly half the suspects had prior arrests, and one in five had convictions for domestic violence.
“Our community-based advocates and our wonderful domestic violence programs across the state are facing budget cuts,” said Karnes. “The folks that are experiencing these things are reaching out for support, they need to not only; one know what is available, but two be able to access those services.”
That access gap is what Adams and Broomfield county leaders hope to close with a new Family Justice Center. Leaders and advocates call it a one-stop hub connecting survivors to help under one roof.
“So that when a survivor of domestic violence walks into a Family Justice Center, they can get every service that they need,” said Brian Mason, 17th Judicial District Attorney. “These Family Justice Centers literally save lives.”
The center opens in 2026. The hub will offer legal help, housing, counseling and crisis support. It’s a model advocates say that could help save lives statewide.
“These hubs can be a great way for folks to get those needs met without having to make a hundred phone calls, without having to tell their story over and over again, often to end up not receiving the support they need anyway,” said Karnes. “I think that these hubs are a great example of a coordinated community response that prioritizes survivors and trying to bring the access to them rather than asking them to go to 10 different spots.”
October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month and advocates say this new report makes one thing clear: Awareness isn’t enough; it takes access to funding and follow-through to help save lives.
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Alliyah Sims
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