Colorado prepares domestic violence risk assessment program

Colorado prepares a new program

Colorado is preparing a domestic violence risk assessment program while fatalities connected to domestic violence are rising. The development puts attention on how officials and service providers identify situations that may become more dangerous and decide what response is needed.

Risk assessment programs generally focus on signs that violence may continue or become more severe. In Colorado, the new program is being prepared as the state confronts deaths linked to domestic violence. The program’s design, including who will use it and how assessments will guide services or safety planning, remains to be set out.

Why the program matters

An assessment system can give people working with survivors a shared way to review warning signs and determine what additional support may be needed. It may also create a more consistent process across agencies and communities. The program itself does not replace emergency help or the need for an immediate response when someone is in danger.

The rise in fatalities adds urgency to the preparation work. Each death affects families and communities, while the broader issue includes people who may be seeking help, making safety plans or working with law enforcement and service providers.

What comes next

The next steps will involve turning the planned program into a process that can be used in practice. That includes establishing the assessment method, identifying participating agencies and explaining how information will be handled.

Colorado has not announced those operating details in the information available for this article. The program’s rollout will determine how it fits with existing domestic violence services and how communities are expected to use it.

People facing immediate danger should contact emergency services. Those seeking help with domestic violence can also reach a local victim-service organization for safety planning and support.