This content was originally published by the Longmont Observer and is licensed under a Creative Commons license.
October was Domestic Violence Awareness month in Longmont. Domestic violence is one of the top health concerns in the country. But what is domestic violence? Understanding its definition can help a community and individuals take more effective action.
The United States Department of Justice Office on Violence Against Women defines domestic violence as “a pattern of abusive behavior in any relationship that is used by one partner to gain or maintain control over another intimate partner.”
Several types of abuse are included in the definition: physical, sexual, emotional, economic, psychological, threats, stalking and cyberstalking. Victims can be spouses, dating and intimate partners, family members, children and anyone cohabiting.
Domestic violence can affect anyone whatever age, socioeconomic status, sexual orientation, gender, race, religion, or nationality. It can have physical, emotional and psychological effects. Sometimes it results in death.
L.E.V.I. (Longmont Ending Violence Initiative) is a project designed to reduce and control domestic violence in our community. Kim Heard, Director of L.E.V.I. provided the following statistics - in 2018 there were 955 total police reports and 586 arrests for domestic violence. This is an increase of nearly 24% since 2017. So far in 2019 - 697 calls have been made to the police, with 356 arrests. She said 1 in 4 women will experience physical abuse from a partner, and 1 in 3 will experience other forms of abuse. Often it happens at home. Heard said that in about 25% of cases alcohol and drugs are involved. It is the number one crime in Longmont.
Heard said the goals of L.E.V.I. are Prevention and Education, and providing Public Information. Much of her work involves giving presentations to the community. She goes mainly to middle schools to talk about healthy relationships to 6th, 7th and 8th graders. “Jealousy and possessiveness do not mean someone loves you,” she tells them. She addresses juvenile sexting, sexting laws, and dating violence.
She also brings public awareness to the forefront with campaigns. For example, information on coffee cup sleeves in coffee shops. “It helps get word out to the community,” she said.
Heard said there are several things a victim can do when ready:
- Call L.E.V.I., 303-774-4534 to access information,
- Visit their website: wwwLongmontDomesticViolence.org,
- Contact the Safe Shelter. A safe shelter can help by providing counseling, a safety plan, or help with civil protection orders. By federal mandate, all safe shelter services are free and confidential and offered in English and Spanish. Victims do not need to be residing at the shelter to get help.
If the local shelter is full Heard can direct the victim to another nearby shelter. She calls herself the 'resource queen' as she has many avenues available to offer to anyone who contacts her. She added that victims often confide in their hairstylists, or stylists might notice signs of abuse on a client. Many beauty parlors provide flyers and information about abuse for clients in need.
Many cases go unreported, Heard said. Victims might not be in a financial position to leave an abuser. And their self-esteem might be so low they are not able to face making the decision. Often the relationship declines gradually so a victim might not realize it has become abusive. Heard said, “Longmont is a very sympathetic community, and there are many avenues available to help and support victims. When (they) are ready, we are here.”
Jackie List, the Safe Shelter executive director, said there are three ways to access the shelter’s services. Brochures are also available at the Justice Center that give this information:
* Victims can call the crisis line 303-772-4422. The line is manned 24 hours every day.
* Victims can go in person to the Public Office of Safe Shelter of St. Vrain Valley at 82 21st Street, Longmont, in the Powell Professional Building.
* Victims can go to the website: www.safeshelterofstvrain.org. Information is available there and people can leave an email message. List herself answers email inquiries.
The Safe Shelter provides physical safety in an emergency. Victims usually stay about six weeks, but that time can be extended in extenuating circumstances. The shelter also offers advocates for crisis intervention and to provide information. Different support programs are available. List said housing can be especially problematic for victims, and advocates offer help navigating the housing situation.
Legal advocates give legal advice and offer support for court appearances.
List said domestic abuse touches all lives across all walks of society. The most vulnerable group is women between the ages of 16 years to 25 years; while most of the shelter clients are women between the ages of 25 years to 35 years. She said that Longmont has about 47% of Boulder County’s reported domestic violence cases. However, this does not necessarily mean this is a more violent community than others in the county, it could mean that more cases are actually reported. This community is very aware of the dangers associated with domestic abuse, and knows that police in Longmont will respond.
List says, “Maybe it’s because of the small-town feel here, and people understand the situation better.”
