Twenty years ago, the Denver Metro Domestic Violence Fatality Review Committee began the work of learning from the most tragic cases, and what they found resoundingly is –
Collaboration and coordinating information is not just best practice for helping abuse survivors recover and rebuild but is critical to saving lives.
Collaboration is the cornerstone of a Family Justice Center. The model of a Family Justice Center brings together advocates, community organizations, representatives of the criminal legal system (police, prosecutors), civil legal services, and so much more to give the best care and support for a domestic violence victim seeking safety, hope, and healing. These are critical services that have historically operated independently of each other, creating a confusing and frustrating maze for a victim trying to find help.
The Rose Andom Center opened in June of 2016 becoming the first Family Justice Center in Colorado and the Rocky Mountain region; community organizations and city agencies come together creating a strong and collaborative response for domestic violence victims experiencing domestic violence.
In 2020 alone, Rose Andom Center and our partners made nearly 2,000 referrals within the Family Justice Center partnership model and warm hand-offs to domestic violence victims and their families.
Take a look at the many services and supports we provided to help our clients build safety and inspire hope in 2020:
— Advocacy: 363 victims explored the options available in seeking a path to safety.
— Civil Legal: 766 victims received support filing protection orders & answering legal questions.
— Criminal Legal: 38 victims received information about the criminal & legal process.
— Counseling: 235 victims received support addressing the trauma of domestic abuse.
— Stabilization: 348 victims received assistance becoming financially self-sufficient.
— Medical: 131 victims and their children received health care services.
— Child/Youth: 88 children received support to heal from the impact of abuse.
Learn more about the services available at Rose Andom Center: https://roseandomcenter.org/services.
“If it hadn’t been for the existing collaboration and relationships among the systems-based agencies and nonprofits here at the Rose Andom Center, we would not have been effective once the COVID crisis hit in being remote but connected and helping victims in dire situations. I would like for survivors to know there are people here that care about them, and will do everything they can, even after hours, even on the weekends, to keep them and their families safe.” – Lt. Adam Hernandez, Denver Police Department, Domestic Violence Unit