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- Introduction
- Types of Domestic Violence
- Habitual DV Offenders
- Power and Control
- The Cycle of Violence
- Counter-Intuitive Victim Behaviors
- Mandatory Arrest
- Lethality Factors
- Protection Orders and Bond
- Firearm Relinquishment and Affidavits
- Recantation
- Consulting the Victim about a Plea Offer
- “No Face, No Case”
- Prima-Facie Case Requirement
- Preparing for Trial
- Trial
- Sentencing
- Victim Resources
Given the power and control dynamics that are the hallmark of domestic violence cases, it is no wonder why victims often don’t leave their abusers. Escaping abuse can be extremely difficult and dangerous. A significant number of the DV fatalities occur when a victim tries to leave or has recently left the relationship. It is even more difficult if the victim has a child or lacks sufficient income to be financially independent.
Fortunately, there are some resources to assist victims. If your office has victim advocates, ask them to teach you about the victim resources available in your area.
DV Shelters
DV shelters, if they exist in the area, can safely house a victim and her children for a limited period of time. The victim must screen in and agree to the shelter’s rules. Common rules include prohibitions on the use of drugs and alcohol and keeping the location of the shelter secret. These shelters sometimes offer limited assistance in other areas, such as psychological, legal, or financial assistance, that a victim can use while they are at the shelter. Shelters are, however, temporary housing. While at the shelter, the victim must actively search for a place to live after they leave shelter so they are not made homeless when their limited stay expires.
Legal Assistance
Limited legal assistance is available in almost all counties throughout Colorado. Legal assistance for victims can include assistance with seeking protection orders to assistance with child custody and divorce. Sometimes these resources also include service as a victim advocate to law enforcement and prosecutors.
Therapy
Although necessary, therapy is often more limited than other forms of victim assistance. If, however, a victim reports a crime, the victim may be able to seek reimbursement for therapy from victim compensation funds in each judicial district.
Child Care
Of all the resources available to victims, this is one of the most important and one of the most uncommon. On occasion, prosecutors’ offices and law enforcement have been able to care for children over the course of a few hours if a victim is testifying or reporting a crime. There are, however, few if any resources to help victims care for their children while, for example, they attend therapy, search for employment, or move out of their abuser’s home.
Restitution
Restitution, although important for some victims, comes so late to most victims that it might as well not exist. Victim compensation, although also slow, offers speedier assistance than restitution. It is, however, more limited in what it can provide to victims.
Resources
Websites
Recorded Trainings