Urgent: Broomfield DA’s Office Launches Domestic Violence Center in 2024

UPDATE: The 17th Judicial District Attorney’s Office in Colorado has just announced a groundbreaking initiative to establish a Family Justice Center aimed at supporting victims of domestic violence. District Attorney Brian Mason revealed during a media event in late October 2023 that this vital center will open in 2024 at a temporary site located within the Adams County Human Services Center at 11860 N. Pecos St., Westminster.

This urgent development comes as domestic violence continues to pose significant public safety challenges across the nation. “The most dangerous time in a victim’s life can be when they are trying to escape,” Mason emphasized, highlighting the critical need for accessible services. The center will provide comprehensive support, including legal assistance, housing resources, counseling, crisis management, safety planning, and advocacy—all under one roof.

Currently, victims often face daunting barriers in accessing services, including the necessity to travel to multiple locations and the additional challenge of finding childcare. Mason stated, “We put up countless barriers to victims and survivors of domestic violence for them to get the services that they need.” The Family Justice Center is designed to eliminate these obstacles, thereby facilitating safer exits from abusive situations.

This initiative mirrors a successful model currently operational in the west Denver area, where a similar center serves Gilpin and Jefferson counties. Mason, who took office in 2021, has been relentless in his pursuit of innovative solutions to combat domestic violence. His tenure has led to the establishment of a special victims unit dedicated to domestic violence, sexual assault, and human trafficking, alongside the creation of a domestic violence high-risk team that identifies and responds to lethal situations.

“The need to serve victims of domestic violence exists now—it existed yesterday, it existed five years ago,” Mason declared, reinforcing the urgency of this initiative. While the temporary location is set to open next year, Mason’s office is actively seeking a permanent space for the Family Justice Center.

Mason’s advocacy is grounded in the belief that domestic violence affects everyone, regardless of background. “There is rarely a room that you are in where someone hasn’t been impacted by domestic violence,” he noted. The implications of such violence extend far beyond individual victims, cascading into families and communities.

As this initiative unfolds, it is crucial for community members to remain engaged and informed about available resources and support systems. The Family Justice Center is poised to be a game-changer in the fight against domestic violence, offering hope and assistance to those who need it most.

Stay tuned for further updates as the 17th Judicial District Attorney’s Office moves forward with this essential project, aiming to create a safer environment for all.