Justice

Justice

According to the Colorado Domestic Violence Fatality Review Board, domestic violence-related incidents claimed at least 94 lives in Colorado in 2022, including six children. In 2023, 58 lives were lost, including three children. In 2024, fatalities rose 24% to 72, including eight children between three months and seven years old, five of whom were killed amid parental custody disputes. In these three years 12 of the 17 children killed had been involved in custody cases or involved in Colorado’s civil courts* —a devastating reminder of the critical connection between domestic violence, custody proceedings, and child safety. * according to local news reports.

The lack of understanding about what constitutes domestic violence within the legal and justice systems has led to devastating consequences. Individuals involved in court decisions, including trained psychologists, may miss signs of abuse and place children in the care of an abusive parent. Many abusers are skilled at manipulation, presenting one demeanor to the public while behaving very differently behind closed doors.

The Justice Program seeks to raise awareness of domestic violence, its prevalence, and the ways abuse can be overlooked within the legal system. By sharing survivor perspectives and increasing understanding among professionals involved in domestic relations courts, we aim to help those making critical decisions recognize the signs of abuse, better assess risk, and make informed, child-centered decisions that prioritize children’s safety and well-being.

Previous speaking engagements include:

  • COAFCC- Colorado Association of Family and Conciliation Courts  -- Topic; Trauma and Recovery

  • Colorado Courts Standing Committee on Family Issues. 

  • JAG- Judicial Arbitrators Group of Colorado. --  Domestic Violence Training 

  • Domestic Violence Fatality Review Board - CO Attorney General's office 

  • Fort Collins Police Domestic Violence High Risk Team  

  • Alternatives to Violence Annual Purple Ribbon Breakfast 

  • 2024 Domestic Relations Probate Institute  -- Presented with Domestic Violence Fatality Review Board Members

    If you are interested in having a survivor story added to your conference or presentation to a group of judges, child custody evaluators, attorneys or other decision making parties in the court system, please contact Joy & Justice at contact@joyandjusticeco.org.  Include the following in your request: Time, Date and Location of event, expected audience, and number of attendees.