LEVI is short for Longmont Ending Domestic Violence Initiative. The program began in 1998 when Longmont experienced a “series of violent domestic violence incidents in which victims were not receiving the services and support they needed to leave abusive relationships,” resulting in the murder of five women and their children, according to the website.
LEVI works with a collaborative group of over 30 organizations to help end domestic violence in Longmont.
Although LEVI is a unique organization within public safety, it only has one part-time employee who is trying to make a difference in the community. According to Ashley Méndez Ruiz, LEVI project coordinator, domestic violence is the third largest crime committed in Longmont.
In 2022, around 926 cases were referred to LEVI either through the police department or from members of the community. As of Aug. 29, LEVI reported 663 cases. If the trend continues through the year, it will pass 2022 numbers, Méndez Ruiz said.
A troubling trend LEVI has identified is the number of strangulations that occur in Longmont’s domestic violence reports. More than half, or 350 cases, have mentioned strangulation occurring within the reported incident. Strangulation cases have continued to rise over the years, Méndez Ruiz said.
While the number of people mentioning strangulation in their reports is high, a significantly lower number of people are being charged with the crime. In 2019 only 44 people were charged. That number grew in 2020 with 60 people and jumped to 79 in 2021. In 2022, the number of people charged with domestic violence strangulation dropped to 64. Méndez Ruiz stated that although the police take these cases seriously, not all cases end with a charge or are even reported.
October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month across the nation. Méndez Ruiz is preparing for a month of educating the public about domestic violence through a series of workshops at the Longmont Library. The workshops will take place Oct. 6 at 1 p.m., Oct. 19 at 11 a.m. and Oct. 21 at 10 a.m.
Méndez Ruiz will also create a display at the Longmont Library that will house more information about domestic violence.
Her hope is that those who need the help are able to start the journey to connect with the resources they need. She also hopes that more people in the community will take the time to educate themselves on domestic violence and how they can help reduce it in the Longmont community.
Since LEVI has only one person on staff, Méndez Ruiz said she is looking for volunteers to help with various efforts. Those interested in volunteering or making a donation can learn more by contacting LEVI at [email protected].
Méndez Ruiz said the more awareness we have in the community the more likely people will get the help they need.
