domestic violence

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, and Family Tree wants our community to be aware of not only the prevalence and impacts of domestic violence, but how you can help in our mission to help people overcome domestic violence, child abuse and homelessness.

“I’m afraid for myself, I’m afraid for my son. We need a safe place to heal.

“My 8-year old son, Ethan, and I broke ties with my husband due to his violence. We found an apartment and were living on our own, until one night when my husband broke in.

“He destroyed our apartment and physically threw me around. It was all such a blur – I couldn’t call for help. Fortunately, the neighbors heard and called the police. They found me on the floor and my husband was gone. Worst of all, Ethan saw the whole thing.

Robin describes herself as “feeling as broken as you can get” when she first came into seek services at Family Tree’s Legal Advocacy. This feeling that Robin described is not an uncommon feeling for many survivors of domestic violence, especially those who choose to pursue their case legally through a Protection Order, divorce, or custody matter.

Family Tree is pleased to announce the name change of Women In Crisis, the domestic violence emergency shelter, to Roots of Courage. This change is part of a continuing effort to be more inclusive and focused on empowerment for those served by Family Tree. Shelter director Tirzah Stein, explains the need for this change.

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).