DENVER — Intimate partner abuse cases, including homicides related to domestic violence, have increased in Denver since last year, the Denver Police Department said in a release Thursday.
A comparison of intimate partner abuse cases reported within the same time period in 2023 and 2024 shows a 4% rise in offenses. As of Aug. 17, there have been 4,549 reports of domestic violence, which contrasts the 4,350 offenses registered during the same timeframe last year.
There have been seven domestic violence-related homicides in Denver as of Aug. 22, according to a department spokesperson, which is two more than those reported by the same time in 2023.
In 2022, there were at least 94 domestic violence-related deaths across the state, according to the Colorado Domestic Violence Fatality Review Board. This was the highest number of deaths the board had ever recorded.
“The rise in domestic violence incidents is deeply concerning, but it also underscores the urgent need for accessible, comprehensive support for victims,” said Margaret Abrams, the executive director of the Rose Andom Center, in the department's release.
The Rose Andom Center is one of the many resources available in Denver for those experiencing domestic violence. The center offers survivors a variety of services, including medical care, legal assistance and counseling. Survivors have access to resources even if they aren't interested in pursuing legal action, but the center also educates visitors on their options if they do choose to report their abuse.
List of resources for victims of domestic violence in Denver
Additionally, the National Domestic Violence Hotline offers guidance to domestic violence victims and to those who are seeking to report a non-emergent instance of abuse involving other people.
Denver Police is reminding the community that reporting intimate partner violence can save lives and asks people to call 911 if they suspect anyone to be in immediate danger. Police encourage people to recognize the signs of abuse, included below.
Signs that someone may be a victim of abuse
- Person appears fearful of their romantic partner
- Unexplained and/or frequent bruising, cuts or other injuries
- Their partner is extremely jealous, controlling, belittling and/or isolating of their partner
- Cannot access their money and/or has little to no power in the relationship
- Has to constantly check in with their partner
The department also encouraged victims to report their abuse to law enforcement and said people's immigration status would not be checked. Language access options are also available for those who do not speak English.