Access to civil legal help is critical to increasing safety for domestic violence victims. Studies have shown that civil legal services are a critical component of a coordinated response to intimate partner violence and one that has been under-recognized and often challenging to obtain. The Denver-metro area is fortunate to have Project Safeguard as a long-standing community resource, and who has been a partner at the Rose Andom Center since its inception. Knowing the critical role civil legal services play in promoting victim safety, Project Safeguard was at the planning table long before our opening and has continued to grow with the Rose Andom Center to meet the needs of victims seeking help.
Developing a safety plan is a vital — yet often overlooked — aspect of helping domestic abuse victims and is one of the ways the Rose Andom Center partners with Project Safeguard. Safety plans empower victims by equipping them with a clear set of actions to help lower the risk of being injured in domestic abuse situations, including how to increase safety at school, work, home and other places on a daily basis. Depending on whether they are still in a relationship, planning to leave, or have already fled their partners, these plans help victims think through how to react in volatile situations, where to go in an emergency, and how to seek various types of support. But safety planning is more than just a tool, it is a way for a client to gain back control. Giving clients this tool does not only give them a sense of relief, but it also helps empower them in many different ways.
Project Safeguard, founded in 1981, is committed to helping end domestic violence by holding society responsible for developing, implementing and enforcing sanctions against abusers while increasing safety and survival options for victims of abuse and their children. Project Safeguard is dedicated to providing safety planning, legal advocacy, and direct court support to victims of domestic violence and abuse, ensuring their safety and survival. Project Safeguard’s goal is to aid victims through advocacy and assistance in navigating the court system, providing court accompaniment, and other services, while also holding systems and society accountable for their response. Project Safeguard advocates are a full-time resource at the Rose Andom Center, to help victims understand the legal options available to them, develop safety planning, assist with filing protection orders, divorce and allocation of parental rights. They can also assist with other civil legal issues related to housing and other needs leading to safety and stabilization. Although not always recognized, civil legal services have the potential to address important long-term safety for women experiencing intimate partner violence.
We are grateful for our partnership with Project Safeguard!