After a man walked into a birthday party in Colorado Springs last month and shot and killed six people and then himself, the police chief said domestic violence was “at the core” of what happened. After the incident, advocates said the stresses and isolation of the COVID-19 pandemic have made it even more challenging for victims of domestic violence to seek help.
Rica Molet is community engagement manager with TESSA, a nonprofit based in Colorado-Springs. Its goal is to create a community that's free of sexual assault, domestic violence, stalking, and human trafficking. TESSA operates in El Paso and Teller counties. Nicole Castillo is program director with the Rose Andom Center based in Denver. It connects victims of domestic violence with a variety of services. They spoke with Colorado Matters about the relationship between the pandemic and domestic violence.
For More Information:
TESSA - El Paso and Teller counties: 24/7 Safe Line: 719-633-3819; Website: https://www.tessacs.org/ Chat - https//www.tessacs.org/tessa-online-safe-line/
Rose Andom Center - Denver: For more information or to schedule an appointment call 720-337-4400, Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.- 5 p.m.; Website: https://roseandomcenter.org/
Additional 24-hour Hotlines Include:
SafeHouse Denver 24-hour hotline: 303-318-9989
Colorado Crisis Center: 1-844-493-8255 or text TALK to 38255
The National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-7233 or chat at thehotline.org
