DOMESTIC VIOLENCE & RELATIONSHIPS
The topics listed below are some concerns that we deal with frequently in our office. This is not a comprehensive list and if you would like more information on these or any other topics, please feel free to contact us.
Domestic Violence
Domestic Violence is a pattern of behavior used by one partner in an intimate relationship to control another. The violence can be physical, emotional, sexual, and/or financial. The state of Colorado has a domestic violence law that states that if an officer is called to respond to a Domestic Violence call and they have probable cause to believe that a Domestic Violence crime was committed, they must arrest the suspect. It is mandatory for a Judge to issue a temporary criminal protection order in all domestic violence cases.
Resources:
Common Characteristics of Offenders
Address Confidentiality Program
Stalking
Stalking is a course of conduct directed at a specific person that places a reasonable person in fear for her or his safety. It is against the law in every
state and stalking across state lines or in federal territories is illegal under federal law. Stalkers use many different methods to terrorize their victims including: letters, gifts, phone calls, and surveillance. Stalkers often use technology to watch victims, keep track of their movements, and even listen in on phone calls or keep track of online activity. Anyone can be stalked and the stalker could be a current or former intimate partner, an acquaintance, or a stranger. All forms of stalkers are unpredictable and should be considered dangerous.
Resources:
Issues Concerning Children/ Teens
Included here is some information on two common problems that children and teens can face: dating violence and bullying.
Bullying
Bullying is unwanted, aggressive behavior that involves a real or perceived imbalance of power. The behavior is repeated over time, or has the potential to be repeated. Bullying can include acts such as: physical or verbal attacks, making threats, excluding someone from a group deliberately, spreading rumors, or taunting and/or tormenting someone online.
Resources:
Dating Violence
Dating Violence is controlling, abusive, and aggressive behavior in a romantic relationship. It can include physical abuse, verbal abuse, emotional abuse, sexual abuse, or a combination of these. Both boys and girls can be victims of dating violence, and it can happen in any relationship, including same sex relationships.
Resources:
Local Domestic Violence Organizations: