Statistics

Deaths

In Colorado in 2008, at least 33 people died in 24 fatal incidents related to domestic abuse. Those incidents included:

• 17 intimate partners murdered (16 female victims were killed by a male partner and 1 male victim was killed by a female partner)
• Seven children murdered
• One friend, 1 relative, and 1 dating partner of a victim murdered
• Four perpetrator suicides
• Two perpetrators killed by law enforcement

The victims ranged in age from 21 months old to 64 years old, whereas the offenders ranged in age from 18 to 68. The most frequent cause of death was use of a firearm, followed by stabbing.

Source: Colorado Coalition Against Domestic Violence, 2008

Shelters

In 2007, 6,341 individuals were turned away from shelters in Colorado due to a lack of capacity, a 7% increase from 2006, where 5,886 individuals were turned away and a 60% increase compared to 2005, during which 2,537 victims were turned away.

Nearly half (43% or 2,165) the residents in shelter during 2007 were children age 18 and under.

Source: Colorado Department of Human Services, Domestic Abuse Assistance Program, "2007 Annual Report"

Other Statistics

• Victims of abuse often report that they return to an abusive situation because they cannot find affordable long-term housing in Colorado.
  • Source: Colorado Department of Human Services, Domestic Abuse Assistance Program, "2007 Annual Report"
• Almost half of all women murdered in Colorado are killed by an intimate partner.
  • Source: Project Safeguard, "2007 Fatality Review Program Report" Denver, Colorado 2007
• 19 children were killed during an incident of domestic violence from 2000 to 2007.
  • Source: Project Safeguard, "2007 Fatality Review Program Report" Denver, Colorado 2007

More Information

For more information on domestic violence, contact Victim Services at (303) 838-4441.