IF YOU ARE IN A LIFE-THREATENING SITUATION, CALL 911
If your situation is not life-threatening, call our helpline between 9-5 Monday-Friday.
303.839.5510Our advocates will work with you to help you create a safety plan. We can help you achieve safety through:
- Referring you to the shelter closest to you or most accessible for you
- Helping you plan for leaving, including...
- Gathering important documents
- Planning transportation
- Determining when is the safest time to go
- Cover or assist with relocation costs
- Discussing strategies to stay safe while living in an abusive relationship
Call us at 303.839.5510 or email our Program Manager at [email protected]
Leaving an abuser is not easy. In fact, it is the most dangerous time for victims. The Initiative’s advocates can help with a variety of issues you might have after leaving an abuser, including:
- Emergency financial assistance for rent, storage, transportation, or other needs
- Assistance with finding affordable housing
- Assistance with finding employment
- Referrals to other resources
- Enrollment in the Address Confidentiality Program
- Domestic Violence and abuse counseling
- Creating a Self Care plan
Call us at 303.839.5510 or email our Program Manager at [email protected]
As a friend, family member, coworker, or acquaintance of someone experiencing abuse, it can be hard to know what to do. You want to help, but what can you say? Here are some do’s and don’ts on how to support victims of abuse:
DO
- Believe them
- Respect their thoughts and feelings, even if you disagree or can’t empathize
- Listen and support without passing judgment
- Move at their pace
- Inform them of resources
- Ask questions instead of giving answers
- Suggest safety planning if they don’t want to reach out to shelters or advocates
DON'T
- Ask them why they don’t leave
- Blame or criticize them for not leaving
- Act skeptical when they tell you their story
- Tell them what to do
- Insult the abuser instead of pointing out why the abuse isn’t okay
- Hurry the decision-making process
- Make promises you can’t keep
Call us at 303.839.5510 or email our Program Manager at [email protected]