When I was living in New York City and working at a domestic violence shelter, I would ride the subway every day on my way to work and back. There was a lot to be distracted by, the breakdancing kids with their flips and tricks, the chorus of elderly men that would make you smile with their sweet songs, and the brightly colored ads that would catch your eye. It was never dull, and usually entertaining, but what bothered me were the signs about domestic violence awareness. No matter what train I was on, the signs were always the same.

As domestic violence awareness month is upon us, we feel it was important to discuss a common tool that is often considered by many survivors, protection orders. 

Stand Up Colorado is a statewide, collaborative, multi-year relationship violence prevention campaign that goes beyond public awareness to alter behavior and effect long-term social change. The Movement will prevent future relationship violence by shaping an informed, zero-tolerance public attitude that inspires individual and community action (Stand Up Colorado 2018 Media Guide).