The following is a summary of the rights guaranteed by the Victim Rights Act (For a complete listing of your rights, please refer to Colorado Revised Statutes 24-4.1-301 through 24-4.1-304 at http://dcj.ovp.state.co.us):

• To be treated with fairness, respect and dignity, and to be free from intimidation, harassment, or abuse, throughout the criminal justice process.
• To be informed of all “critical stages” of the criminal justice process (victims of crime must request notification, in writing, for probation stage only)
• To be present at specified critical stages in the criminal justice process;
• To be informed about what steps can be taken including information about protection services, if there is any intimidation or harassment by a person accused or convicted of a crime or anyone acting on that person’s behalf;
• To be present and heard regarding bond reduction or modification, a subpoena for the victim’s records, acceptance of a plea agreement, sentencing or modification of a sentence; To be heard by phone or similar technology when a victim cannot appear in court;
• To be informed of the existence of the criminal protection order and upon request of the victim, the procedure for modifying the protection order if a procedure exists;
• To receive a free copy of the initial incident report from the investigating law enforcement agency; except that the release of a document associated with the investigation is at the discretion of the law enforcement agency based on the status of the case or security and safety concerns in a correctional facility, local jail, or private contract prison;
• To have the victim’s social security number redacted or excluded from criminal justice documents when records are released to someone other than the victim, a criminal justice agency, or the defendant’s attorney of record;
• To be informed of the process the district attorney can use to request protection of the victim’s address (the court may or may not grant the request);
• To consult with the district attorney prior to any disposition of the case or before the case goes to trial and to be informed of the final disposition of the case;
• To be informed of the status of the case and any scheduling changes or cancellations, if known in advance;
• To receive and prepare a victim impact statement and to be present and/or heard at the sentencing hearing;
• To have the court determine restitution and to be informed of the right to pursue a civil judgment against the person convicted of the crime;
• To prevent any party at any court proceeding from compelling testimony regarding a victim’s address, telephone number, place of employment or other locating information;
• To receive a prompt return of property when it is no longer needed as evidence; To be informed about the possibility of restorative justice practices;
• To be informed of the availability of financial assistance and community services;
• To be provided with appropriate employer intercession services regarding court appearances and meetings with criminal justice officials;
• To be assured that in any criminal proceeding the court, the prosecutor, and other law enforcement officials will take appropriate action to achieve a swift and fair resolution of the proceedings;
• Whenever practicable, to have a safe, secure waiting area during court proceedings;
• To be notified of the referral of an offender to community corrections and to provide a written victim impact statement to the community corrections board and, if permitted by the board, to provide an oral victim impact statement. In addition, a victim has a right to provide a separate oral statement to the community corrections board if the board is considering a transitional referral from the department of corrections;
• To be informed when a person accused or convicted of a crime is released from custody other than the county jail, is paroled, escapes or absconds from probation or parole;
• The right to be informed of the filing of a petition to cease sex offender registration;
• To be informed when a person who is accused or convicted of a crime is released, discharged, or permanently transferred from the custody of the county jail;
• To be informed of and heard at any proceeding at which any post-conviction release from confinement in a secure state correctional facility is being considered;
  To be informed when a person convicted of a crime against the victim is placed in or transferred to a less secure
  correctional facility, program, or placed on non-residential status, or is permanently or conditionally transferred or released from any state hospital;
• The right, at the discretion of the district attorney, to view all or a portion of the pre-sentence report of the probation department;
• To be notified of a hearing concerning a petition for sealing of records;
• To be informed of the results of any court-ordered HIV testing;
• To be informed of any rights which the victim has pursuant to the Constitution of the United States or the State of Colorado; and
• To be informed of the process for enforcing compliance with the Victim Rights Act.
• The right to be informed of any request for progression from the state mental health hospital on behalf of a person in its custody as a result of a criminal case involving the victim, and the right to be heard at any hearing which a court considered such a request. “Request for progression” includes any request for off-grounds or unsupervised privileges, community placement, conditional release, unconditional discharge, or a special furlough.
• The right to be informed of the results of a probation revocation hearing.
• The right to be informed of the results of the decision by the Governor to commute or pardon a person convicted of a crime against the victim before such information is publicly disclosed.
• The right be heard by phone or similar technology by the community corrections board when the victim is otherwise unavailable.

Additional rights and services are provided to child victims of crime. Law enforcement officials, prosecutors and judges are encouraged to designate one or more individuals to try to ensure that the child and his/her family understand the legal proceedings and have support and assistance to deal with the emotional impact of the crime and the subsequent criminal proceedings.

24-4.1.302(1)(cc.6) Failure to stop at the scene of a CRASH, in violation of section 42-4-1601, where the CRASH resulted in the death or serious bodily injury of another person.

24-4.1-302(1)(II) SOLICITING FOR COMMERCIAL SEXUAL ACTIVITY WITH A CHILD, in violation of section 18-7-4.2 procurement of a child for sexual exploitation, in violation of section 18-6-404; pimping of a child, in violation of section 18-7-405 INDUCEMENT OF COMMERCIAL SEXUAL ACTIVITY WITH A CHILD, in violation of section 18-7-405.5; ENGAGING IN COMMERCIAL SEXUAL ACTIVITY WITH A CHILD, in violation of sections 18-7-406; SOLICITING FOR CHILD PROSTITUTION, IN VIOLATION OF SECTION 18-7-102 AS IT EXISTED PRIOR TO JULY 1, 2026; INDUCEMENT OF CHILD PROSTITUTION, IN VIOLATION OF SECTION 18-7-405.5, AS IT EXISTED PRIOR TO JULY 1, 2026; OR PATRONIZING A PROSTITUTED CHILD, IN VIOLATION OF SECTION 18-7-406, AS IT EXISTED PRIOR TO JULY 1, 2026;

24-4.1-302(2)(e.5) Any subpoena or application for records concerning the victim’s medical history, mental health, OR education; victim’s compensation RECORDS or records that are privileged pursuant to section 13-90-107

24-4.1-302(2)(aa) RECEIPT BY A DISTRICT ATTORNEY OF A NOTICE THAT A CRIME LABORATORY EMPLOYEE ENGAGED IN A WRONGFUL ACTION, AS DESCRIBED IN SECTION 16-12-307 (1);

(bb) AN EVIDENTIARY HEARING ON POST-CONVICTION PETITION FOR RELIEF HELD PURSUANT TO SECTION 16-12-312; AND

(cc) A RESTITUTION ASSESSMENT HEARING HELD PURSUANT TO SECTION 18-1.3-603.

24-4.1-302(3) "Lawful representative" means AN INDIVIDUAL who is designated by the victim or appointed by the court to act in the best interests of the victim; EXCEPT THAT IF THE VICTIM IS A CHILD OR AN AT-RISK ADULT, AS DEFINED IN SECTION 18-6.5-102, "LAWFUL REPRESENTATIVE" DOES NOT INCLUDE THE DEFENDANT OR ALLEGED OFFENDER IN THE UNDERLYING CASE.

24-4.1-302.5(1)(a.5) THE RIGHT TO REQUEST, IN ORDER TO PROTECT THE SAFETY OR PRIVACY OF A VICTIM, TO HAVE THE VICTIM REFERRED TO BY AN ABBREVIATION, PSEUDONYM, INITIALS, OR ANOTHER PREFERRED NAME DURING HEARINGS;

(applies to District Attorney’s Office’s)

24-4.1-302.5(1)(j.8) The right to obtain any incident recordings as described in section 24-31-902. 24-31-902 Incident recordings – release -tampering – fine

24-4.1-302(2)(q.1) A TRIAL FOR CIVIL COMMITMENT OR ENHANCED PROTECTIVE PLACEMENT PURSUANT TO SECTION 16-8.5-118;

(q.2) A HEARING TO TERMINATE A CIVIL COMMITMENT PURSUANT TO SECTION 27-65-202 OR AN ENHANCED PROTECTIVE PLACEMENT PURSUANT TO SECTION 25.5-10-508;

(q.3) THE TRANSFER, RELEASE, OR ESCAPE OF A PERSON OR THE PLACEMENT OF A PERSON INTO A COMMUNITY-BASED SETTING OUTSIDE OF INPATIENT CARE AT THE DISCRETION OF CDHS, AS DEFINED IN SECTION 16-8.5-101, WHEN THE PERSON IS UNDER A CIVIL COMMITMENT PURSUANT TO SECTION 27-65-201 OR AN ENHANCED PROTECTIVE PLACEMENT UNDER COURT SUPERVISION PURSUANT TO SECTION 25.5-10-507 WHEN THE CRIMINAL CASE INITIATING THE CIVIL COMMITMENT OR ENHANCED PROTECTIVE PLACEMENT INVOLVED A VICTIM.

24-4.1-302(2)(j.6) THE RIGHT TO BE INFORMED OF ANY REQUEST FOR CHANGES TO MATERIAL TERMS OF A CIVIL COMMITMENT PURSUANT TO SECTION 27-65-201 OR ENHANCED PROTECTIVE PLACEMENT PURSUANT TO SECTION 25 .5-10-507 ON BEHALF OF A PERSON IN A CIVIL COMMITMENT OR PROTECTIVE PLACEMENT IN A CRIMINAL CASE INVOLVING THE VICTIM, AND THE RIGHT TO BE PRESENT BY APPEARING IN PERSON, BY PHONE, OR VIRTUALLY BY VIDEO OR AUDIO, OR SIMILAR TECHNOLOGY, AND HEARD AT ANY HEARING DURING WHICH A COURT CONSIDERS THE REQUEST. AS USED IN THIS SUBSECTION (l)G.6), "REQUEST FOR CHANGES TO MATERIAL TERMS" INCLUDES ANY REQUEST TO BE RELEASED FROM AN INPATIENT SETTING TO AN OUTPATIENT SETTING OR TO BE MOVED INTO A COMMUNITY-BASED SETTING OUTSIDE OF INPATIENT CARE AT THE DISCRETION OF CDHS, AS DEFINED IN SECTION 16-8.5-101.

(Applies to District Attorney’s Office and County Attorney’s)

24-4.1-303 (10)(IV) Upon request of the victim, the law enforcement agency shall provide the victim in a cold case information concerning any change in the status of the case. In addition, the law enforcement shall provide an update at least annually to the victim concerning the status of a cold case involving one or more crimes for which the criminal statute of limitation is longer than three years.

24-4.1-302.5(1)(b.8) Upon request of a victim who has had forensic medical evidence collected that has not resulted in a conviction or plea of guilty, the victim has the right to be notified by the law enforcement agency of the status and location of the victim’s forensic medical evidence. 

24-31.902 (2)(b)(I) Upon request of the victim’s designee, all video and audio recordings of a death must be provided to the victim’s designee at least 72 hours prior to public disclosure.

Forensic Medical Evidence – Sexual assault victims are provided forensic medical exams without any out-of-pocket expenses for services. For “OPT IN” notifications regarding forensic medical evidence, contact the law enforcement agency with jurisdiction for the case.  Notifications include: location of evidence, testing, results of DNA, DNA matches and destruction of evidence collected. The right to file, prior to expiration of the 60 day period, an objection with the LE agency, CBI or accredited crime lab that is proposing to destroy forensic medical evidence. Case status and the right to receive a physical document identifying rights under the law after an exam has been completed.

The Constitution of the State of Colorado and the laws of the state [Section 24-4.1-302(1) C.R.S]
guarantee certain rights to victims of the following criminal acts: 

• Murder in the first degree, in violation of section 18-3-102; 
• Murder in the second degree, in violation of section 18-3-103; 
• Manslaughter, in violation of section 18-3-104; 
• Criminally negligent homicide, in violation of section 18-3-105; 
• Vehicular homicide, in violation of section 18-3-106; 
• Assault in the first degree, in violation of section 18-3-202; 
• Assault in the second degree, in violation of section 18-3-203; 
• Assault in the third degree, in violation of section 18-3-204; 
• Vehicular assault, in violation of section 18-3-205; 
• Menacing, in violation of section 18-3-206; 
• First degree kidnapping, in violation of section 18-3-301; 
• Second degree kidnapping, in violation of section 18-3-302; 
• (I) Sexual assault, in violation of section 18-3-402; 
• (II) Sexual assault in the first degree, in violation of section 18-3-402, as it existed prior to July 1, 2000; 
• Sexual assault in the second degree, in violation of section 18-3-403, as it existed prior to July 1, 2000; 
• (I) Unlawful sexual contact, in violation of section 18-3-404; or 
• (II) Sexual assault in the third degree, in violation of section 18-3-404, as it existed prior to July 1, 2000; 
• Sexual assault on a child, in violation of section 18-3-405; 
• Sexual assault on a child by one in a position of trust, in violation of section 18-3-405.3; 
• Sexual assault on a client by a psychotherapist, in violation of section 18-3-405.5; 
• Invasion of privacy, in violation of section 18-7-801 
• Invasion of privacy for sexual gratification, in violation of section 18-3-405.6; 
• Robbery, in violation of section 18-4-301; 
• Aggravated robbery, in violation of section 18-4-302; 
• Aggravated robbery of controlled substances, in violation of section 18-4-303; 
• Incest, in violation of section 18-6-301; 
• Aggravated incest, in violation of section 18-6-302; 
• Child abuse, in violation of section 18-6-401; 
• Sexual exploitation of children, in violation of section 18-6-403; 
• Crimes against at-risk adults or at-risk juveniles, in violation of section 18-6.5-103; 
• Any crime identified by law enforcement prior to the filing of charges as domestic violence, as defined in section 18-6-800.3; 
• An act identified by a district attorney in a formal criminal charge as domestic violence, as defined in section 18-6-800.3; 
• Any crime, the underlying factual basis of which has been found by the court on the record to include an act of domestic violence, as defined in section 18-6-800.3, pursuant to section 18-6-801; 
• Stalking, in violation of section 18-3-602 or 18-9-111(4); 
• A bias-motivated crime, in violation of section 18-9-121; 
• False Reporting of an emergency in violation of section 18-8-111 that is bias-motivated crime as defined in section 18-9-121(2); 
• Harassment – ethnic intimidation 18-9-111(2) (effective 6/28/21) 
• Careless driving, in violation of section 42-4-1402, that results in the serious bodily injury or death of another person; 
• Failure to stop at the scene of an accident, in violation of section 42-4-1601, where the accident results in the death or serious bodily injury of another person; 
• Any criminal attempt, as described in section 18-2-101, any conspiracy, as described in section 18-2-201, any criminal solicitation, as described in section 18-2-301, and any accessory to a crime, as described in section 18-8-105, involving any of the crimes specified in 24-4.1-302(1); 
• Intimidating a witness or a victim, in violation of section 18-8-704; 
• Retaliation against a witness or victim, in violation of section 18-8-706, Retaliation against a judge or elected official, in violation of section 18-8-615, Retaliation against a juror, in violation of section 18-8-706.5; Retaliation against a prosecutor, in violation of section 18-8-616; 
• Aggravated intimidation of a witness or a victim, in violation of section 18-8-705; 
• Tampering with a witness or victim, in violation of section 18-8-707; 
• Indecent exposure, in violation of section 18-7-302; or 
• Violation of a protection order issued under section 18-1-1001, against a person charged with committing sexual assault, in violation of section 18-3-402, sexual assault on a child, in violation of section 18-3-405, sexual assault on a child by one in a position of trust, in violation of section 18-3-405.3, sexual assault on a client by a psychotherapist, in violation of section 18-3-405.5, or stalking in violation of section 18-3-602; 
• Human trafficking, in violation of section 18-3-503 or 18-3-504; 
• First degree burglary, in violation of section 18-4-202; 
• Second degree burglary of a dwelling, in violation of section 18-4-203 (effective 3/2022) 
• First degree arson, in violation of section 18-4-102 
• Child prostitution, in violation of section 18-7-401.; Soliciting for child prostitution, in violation of section 18-7-402; Procurement of a child for sexual exploitation, in violation of section 18-6-404; Pimping of a child, in violation of section 18-7-405; Inducement of child prostitution, in violation of section 18-7-405.5; or Patronizing a prostituted child, in violation of section 18-7-406. 
• Posting a private image for harassment in violation of section 18-7-107 or posting a private image for pecuniary gain in violation of section 18-7-108; 
• Harassment of a Transit Worker, in violation of section 18-9-111(1)(i)

If a victim is deceased or incapacitated, these rights may be exercised by the victim’s spouse, parent, child, sibling, grandparent, grandchild, significant other, or other lawful representative.

We assist victims, witnesses, and their families following a crime or incident by providing:

• Crisis Intervention

• Referrals to support agencies

• Follow-up contact with victims

• Assistance with application for Victim Compensation benefits

• Information concerning the status of an investigation

• Accompaniment to court appearances

• Financial emergency assistance if qualified

• Translation services

• Legal resources

• Free copy of initial incident report (timing of release is at discretion of law enforcement)

• Timely return of property after the case is settled and no longer needed for evidence

• Annual notification regarding the status of cold cases in felony sexual assaults, kidnapping or homicides

• Information about any other rights pursuant to the Constitution of the State of Colorado.

A victim’s rights are related to certain “critical stages” in the criminal justice process. These stages include:

• Filing of charges and the decision not to file charges;
• Preliminary hearing;
• Any bond reduction or modification hearing; *
• Arraignment hearing;
• Motions hearing;
• Any subpoena for a victim’s mental health, medical, education or victim compensation records; *
• Disposition of the complaint or charges against the person accused; *
• Trial;
• Sentencing, modification of the sentence or Re-sentencing hearing; *
• Appellate review or appellate decision;
• Post-conviction DNA testing and court proceedings initiated based on the result;
• Sentence reconsideration; *
• Probation revocation hearing;
• Resentencing following a probation revocation hearing and request for early termination;
• The filing of a complaint, summons, or warrant by probation for failure to report or because the location of a
  person convicted of a crime is unknown;
• The change of venue or transfer of probation supervision;
• Request for release from probation supervision prior to the expiration of the defendant’s sentence;
• Request for release from community corrections prior to the expiration of the defendant’s sentence;
• An attack on judgment or conviction for which a court hearing is set;
• Parole application hearing and full parole board review hearing;
• Parole, release, or discharge from imprisonment of a person convicted of a crime;
• Parole revocation hearing;
• Transfer to or placement of a person convicted of a crime in a non-secure facility;
• Transfer, release, or escape of a person charged with or convicted of a crime from any state hospital;
• Any petition by a sex offender to terminate sex offender registration;
• Any hearing concerning a petition for expungement of a juvenile offender’s records; * and
• The execution of an offender in a capital case;
• The decision to enter into a diversion agreement;
• Any court ordered modification of the terms and conditions of probation;
• Any hearing concerning a petition for expungement;

* In addition to the right to be informed and present, the victim also has a right to be heard at the following hearings:

1) bond reduction or modification; 2) a subpoena for the victim’s records; 3) the court accepts a negotiated plea agreement or a plea of nolo contendere; 4) sentencing; 5) modification of the sentence; 6) the defendant requests a modification of the no contact provision of the criminal protection order; 7) a petition for expungement of juvenile records; and 8) a hearing for a request for progression from the state mental health hospital.

Victims who are unavailable to attend a hearing where they have the right to be heard may request that the court provide them an opportunity to be heard through telephone or other similar technology by making a request to the district attorney’s office.

When any person attempting defense-initiated victim outreach contacts any victim of any crime, the person

shall immediately provide full and unambiguous disclosure of the person’s legal name and the fact that the person is acting as an agent for the person accused of the crime or for the defense team of such person.

VICTIM NOTIFICATION INFORMATION (VINE)

Victims have the right to be informed of how to request notification of an offender’s change of status from jail.
Colorado VINE (Victim Information & Notification Everyday) is a proactive notification system that sends you an automatic alert via phone, text, or email when an offender’s custody status changes. After registering, you will be notified about the release, transfer, escape, or death of an offender from this free and anonymous service. 

HOW CAN I REGISTER?

Phone 1-888-263-8463 or 

visit www.colorado-vine.com OR 

www.vinelink.com

WHEN REGISTERING YOU’LL NEED:

• Offender’s name

• Your phone number or email address to receive notifications

• A four-digit PIN when registering to receive a phone or text notification. (Entering the correct PIN and pressing the pound (#) key is the only way to confirm you’ve received the phone notification (or to stop receiving the VINE alerts).

Victims of crime have the following responsibilities: 

• Keep appropriate criminal justice authorities informed of their or their representative’s current name, address, email address, and telephone number, and any changes in this information;
• To “opt in” regarding notification of probation.
• To request that correctional officials keep their address, telephone, place of employment and other personal information confidential.

Victims of crime often need financial assistance as a result of the crime. Financial help for costs related to medical 

expenses, lost employment, mental health treatment, burial expenses, the loss of medically necessary devices such as eyeglasses or hearing aids, the loss of support to dependents, and damage to home security devices such as doors, windows, and locks can be applied for through the Crime Victim Compensation Fund. Money is paid into this fund through fines against persons convicted of crimes.

Contact your local District Attorney’s Office for information on how to apply for Victim Compensation. For the 21st Judicial District Attorney’s Office, call 970-244-1730 and ask for the Victim Compensation Office.

Colorado state law provides that victims of crime may enforce compliance with the provisions of the Constitutional Amendment by contacting the Crime Victim Services Advisory Board (Board).

What to do if you feel your rights have not been provided to you: 

If possible, first attempt to seek compliance at the local level. This may include, but is not limited to: 

• Contacting the person whom you feel has not provided you with your rights and explaining specifically what has not been done; 
• Seeking assistance from your victim advocate, or other supportive persons such as a counselor; and 
• Seeking assistance from the elected official or the head of the agency you feel is not providing you with your rights. 

Contacts may be verbal or in writing. Accurate records of your efforts to seek compliance at the local level will be helpful to you and to the Crime Victim Services Advisory Board (Board) should you decide to file a formal request for compliance with the Victim Rights Act.

If you feel you are unable to address your concerns at the local level or your efforts to resolve your concerns have been unsuccessful, you may request assistance from the Crime Victim Services Advisory Board (Board) by contacting the Victim Rights Act Specialist at:

Colorado Department of Public Safety 
Division of Criminal Justice 
700 Kipling Street, Suite 1000 
Denver, CO 80215-5865 

303 239-4497 

ALL EMERGENCIES

DIAL 911

LAW ENFORCEMENT

Dispatch for non-emergencies
970-242-6707

Colorado State Patrol
970-858-2250

Fruita Police
970-858-3008

Grand Junction Police
970-549-5000

Mesa County Sheriff
970-244-3500

Palisade Police
970-464-5601

VICTIM ASSISTANCE

Colorado State Patrol
970-858-2297

Grand Junction Police Dept.
970-549-5290

Mesa County Sheriff’s Office
970-244-3275

Mesa County District Attorney
970-244-1730

MEDICAL

Community Hospital
970-242-0920

Family Health West
970-858-9871

Prime Health
970-200-1600
St. Mary’s Hospital
970-298-2273
Veteran’s Medical Center
970-242-0731
Health Solutions West
877-603-7045

PHYSICAL / EMOTIONAL / LEGAL SUPPORT

American Red Cross
970-242-4851
Colorado Legal Services
970-243-7940
Community Food Bank
970-640-0336
Compassionate Friends Support Group
970-434-3822
Domestic Violence/Latimer House
877-543-9520
Grand Junction Homeless Shelter
970-256-9424
Grand Junction Housing Authority
970-245-0388
Grand Valley Catholic Outreach
970-241-3658
Grand Valley Peace & Justice
970-985-4253
Heartbeat (suicide) support group
970-241-4349
HopeWest grief support groups
970-241-2212
Mesa County Health Department
970-248-6900
Mental Health Crisis Line
970-241-6022

Mind Springs Health
(Outpatient Services)
970-241-6023
Missing Children Hot Line
800-843-5678
National Runaway Hot Line
800-786-2929

National Alliance for Drug Endangered Children
https://www.nationaldec.org/
One-Colorado (for LGBTQ community)
214-298-4446
Pro Bono Project (legal help)
970-424-5748
Rescue Mission (for males)
970-243-4230
Salvation Army
970-242-7513
Suicide Prevention Crisis Line
970-241-6022
Suspected Child Abuse/Neglect
970-242-1211
Victim Compensation Fund
970-244-1730
Western Slope Center for Children
970-245-3788
Western CO Information Referral
211

Go directly to menu item by tapping link below:

Crisis Intervention

Advocacy

Support & Referrals

Common Reactions to Trauma

Statewide Resources

Crisis Intervention

24-hour on-scene crisis intervention for victims, witnesses, family members and other individuals involved in incidents of criminal activity, serious bodily injury, or sudden death in which law enforcement has been notified and is involved.

Victim Advocates respond to crime scenes, hospitals, the Sheriff’s Office, or other locations as requested by a deputy or investigator.

Advocacy:

An advocate will be assigned to your case and will contact you as soon as reasonably possible with information about the status of your case, and to provide information about referrals for therapy, victim’s compensation, and financial resources if applicable.  Additionally, the advocate assigned to your case will provide you with information about protection services such as the Address Confidentiality Program, protection orders, legal services, and other requirements as mandated by law.

Please feel free to contact us at any time with questions or concerns at 303-438-3342, or via dispatch using the non-emergency number 303-762-2211, or email at aramirez@sheridangov.org

Advocates will provide accurate procedural and factual information concerning the victimization, death, or accident, and act as a liaison with law enforcement, criminal justice and community resource agencies.

Victims/witnesses who seek professional assistance immediately after a traumatic incident are less likely to suffer from long term negative effects from that trauma.

Support and Referrals:

Immediate support includes listening to the victims, exploring options, providing notifications as needed.  Helping victims build a strong support network, and providing information regarding community resources such as: mental health counseling, victim compensation, and/or emergency shelter.

Follow-up support is provided to help victims, witnesses, and family members explore options and strategies for the immediate aftermath of a victimization or traumatic event.

Common Reactions to Trauma

A victim or witness of a traumatic event will experience reactions that would cause signs of distress in almost anyone. These reactions may be of short or prolonged duration. They may occur immediately or may surface at a later time.

Common Reactions

• Self-blame
• Poor recall of the assault or other memories
• Fear
• Anger
• Denial
• Agitation
• Increased Anxiety
• Sense of Loss of the following:
• Safety 
• Trust 
• Innocence
• Hope 
• Personal boundaries 
• Power and control

Emotional Reactions

•    Anxiety 
•    Tenseness 
•    Fear 
•    Hopelessness 
•    Guilt 
•    Sadness 
•    Depression 
•    Vulnerability 
•    Anger 
•    Over-sensitivity 

Physical Reactions 

• Shortness of breath 
• Sweating 
• Nausea/vomiting 
• Increased heart rate 
• Heightened startle response 
• Increased sense of smell 
• Change in appetite 
• Change in sleep patterns 
• Fatigue 
• General health problems 

Thought Changes

• Recall of similar experiences 
• Frequent thoughts of event 
• Memory loss of some or all of event 
• Confusion 
• Poor concentration

Long Term Effects can be:

• Appetite disturbance
• Nightmares or insomnia
• Hesitation in forming new relationships
• Persistent fear or depression
• Sense of helplessness
• Problems with sexual intimacy
• Withdrawal from friends and / or relatives
• Substance use or abuse

It is normal and natural to feel a variety of reactions. These are normal responses to abnormal situations. These reactions are not uncommon but may be unique to you. Important items to keep readily available if you’re involved in a domestic violence situation may include:

• Driver’s license / ID Cards
• Passports, green cards, work permits 
• Protection Orders
• Lease agreements/ House deed 
• Birth and divorce certificates 
• Phone numbers and Address book 
• Medicine 
• Passwords 
• School and medical records 
• Keys (house, car, office) 
• Insurance Papers 
• Clothes 
• Money (cash, bankbooks, credit cards) 
• Pictures or other sentimental items 
• Car registration 
• Your children’s favorite toys 

If the offender lived with you and  has moved out or you believe the offender may have access to your home, change the locks on your doors and get locks for the windows. Screen your calls and/or get Caller ID. Consider changing your phone number and/or trading in your mobile phone. Your home computer use may be monitored, so use a “safe computer” at a library/public area, change passwords, and create a new & anonymous email address.

STATEWIDE RESOURCES

For more specific local resources please contact the Arapahoe County Sheriff’s Office Victim Assistance Program at 720-874-4038.

General Resource Directory

Asian Pacific Development Center

www.apdc.org    info@apdc.org 

1537 Alton St  •  Aurora, CO 80010  •  303-923-2920

Violence Free Colorado (Domestic Violence Resource)

www.violencefreecolorado.org/  

1330 Fox Street, Suite 3, Denver, CO 80204

info@violencefreeco.org  •  303-831-9632

Colorado Coalition Against Sexual Assault

www.ccasa.org    info@ccasa.org

1330 Fox Street, Suite 2, Denver, CO 80204 

303-839-9999 

Colorado Division of Criminal Justice ~ Office for Victims Programs

https://www.colorado.gov/pacific/dcj/ovp  

303-239-4497 

The Initiative

www.theinitiativecolorado.org/  

6825 E Tennessee Ave Ste #475, Denver, CO 80224

info@theinitiativeco.org 

303-839-5510 or text 720-503-9580

DOVE 

Advocacy for abused deaf women & children

www.deafdove.org 

Office 303-831-7932 or office@deafdove.org 

Crisis line 303-831-7874 or hotline@deafdove.org 

Gateway Battered Women’s Services 

www.gatewayshelter.org 

Administration 303-343-1856

Crisis line 303-343-1851 

Jewish Family Service of Colorado 

www.jewishfamilyservice.org 

3201 South Tamarac Drive, Denver, CO 80231

303-597-5000

The Kempe Center

http://www.kempe.org/ info@kempe.org

13123 E 16th Ave.; B390, Aurora, CO 80045

303-864-5300 

Project Safeguard 

www.psghelps.org 

7325 South Potomac St., Centennial, CO 80112

303-799-3977

Servicios de la Raza (English/Español) 

www.serviciosdelaraza.org

3131 W. 14th Avenue, Denver, CO 80204

info@serviciosdelaraza.org 

303-458-5851

The Blue Bench (Formerly RAAP (Rape Assistance and Awareness Program))

www.thebluebench.org/  info@thebluebench.org  

303-329-9922 

National Domestic Violence Hotline

https://www.thehotline.org/  

800-799-7233 English/Español; 800-787-3224 TTY  

National Teen Dating Abuse Helpline

www.loveisrespect.org 

866-331-9474 English  1-866-331-8453 TTY

Text:  loveis to 22522

Colorado Front Range Chapter of Parents of Murdered Children 

303-748-6395   http://www.colorado-pomc.org/index.htm 

Mile High United Way 

211 or 866-760-6489

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District Attorney’s Office

18th Judicial District
6450 South Revere Parkway
Centennial, CO 80111
720-874-8500
https://www.da18.org/ 

Probation Department 

18th Judicial District
6904 S Lima St
Centennial, CO 80112
720-213-7800
https://www.courts.state.co.us/Probation/County/Index.cfm?County_ID=57 

Department of Corrections (DOC) – Victim Services

DOC Victim Notification Program
1250 Academy Park Loop
Colorado Springs, CO 80910
719-226-4709 or 800-886-7688
https://www.colorado.gov/pacific/cdoc/victim-services 

Division of Youth Services – Victim Services

4141 S Julian Way
Denver, CO 80236
303-866-7852
https://www.colorado.gov/pacific/cdhs/victim-services-0 

Mental Health Institute of Colorado

1600 West 24th Street
Pueblo, CO 81003
719-546-4000

Agency Responsibilities 

Criminal justice agencies have certain responsibilities for assuring that victims receive their rights. These responsibilities are as follows: 

Law Enforcement’s Responsibilities 

Law enforcement agencies have the responsibility to provide victims of crime with written information about: 

• The rights enumerated in the Victim Rights Act; 
• The availability of financial resources such as victim compensation benefits and how to apply for those benefits; 
• The availability of protective court orders in order to obtain protection from the person accused of committing the crime; and 
• The availability of a free copy of the initial incident report. Law enforcement maintains discretion to determine when the initial incident report can be released to the victim. 
• In addition, law enforcement agencies are required to: 
• Provide information about community services such as crisis intervention services, victim assistance resources, legal resources, mental health services, financial services, applicable protection services, and other support services; 
• Provide information about interpretation services, assistance in dealing with creditors due to financial setbacks caused by the crime and childcare to enable a crime victim to cooperate with the prosecution; 
• Provide the victim of crime with the business address and telephone number of the district attorney’s office, the file number of the case and the name, business address and telephone number of any law enforcement officer assigned to investigate the case; 
• Keep the victim of crime informed as to whether a suspect has been taken into custody and, if known, whether the suspect has been released from custody and any bond conditions imposed upon the suspect; 
• Update the victim on the status of the case, prior to the filing of charges; 
• Upon the request of the victim, return the victim’s property within 5 working days when it is no longer needed for evidentiary reasons; 
• Inform the victim of the existence of the criminal protection order and upon the request of the victim, the procedure for modifying the protection order if a procedure exists;
• Inform victims of crime about decisions not to file charges in misdemeanor cases; 
• Inform all victims of cold cases of any change in the status of the case; and 
• Provide victims of cold cases for which the crime has a statute of limitations of longer than three years with an annual update concerning the status of the case.
• The right to be informed by Law Enforcement of how the victim may request notification of the offender’s change of status from jail

District Attorneys’ Responsibilities 

District Attorney’s Offices have the responsibility to notify crime victims of: 

• The filing of charges and provide an explanation of the charges; 
• Decisions not to file charges in felony cases; 
• Appropriate critical stages and the date, time and place of specified critical stages in the court proceedings; 
• The name of the deputy district attorney handling the case and the court to which the case is assigned; 
• The existence of the criminal protection order and upon the request of the victim, the procedure for modifying the protection order if a procedure exists; 
• The availability of the district attorney to seek a court order to protect a victim’s residential address; 
• Any pending motion that may substantially delay the prosecution and inform the court of the victim’s position on the motion; 
• Any hearing concerning a petition for sealing of records; 
• The availability of any benefits and/or transportation to and from court; and 
• Any scheduling changes or cancellations, if such changes or cancellations are known in advance. 

In addition, the District Attorney shall: 

• Consult, where practicable, with the victim concerning the reduction of charges, negotiated pleas, dismissal or other dispositions; 
• Minimize contact between the victim and the defendant before, during, and immediately after a court proceeding; 
• Facilitate the prompt return of a victim’s property when it is no longer needed for evidentiary reasons; 
• Provide the victim with the opportunity to prepare a victim impact statement that is given to the Court; 
• Inform the victim of the function of a presentence report and the name and telephone number of the probation officer preparing the report, as well as the defendant’s right to view the presentence report and the victim impact statement; 
• Explain the victim’s right to attend and express an opinion at the sentencing hearing; 
• Inform the victim of any hearing for reconsideration or modification of a sentence pursuant to a 35 (a) or 35(b) of the CO Rules of Criminal Procedure, (Note: a probation department shall notify a victim of a court ordered modification of the terms and conditions of probation); and 
• Inform the victim of the right to receive information from correctional officials concerning the imprisonment and release of a person convicted of a crime against the victim and the right to receive information from the probation department.
• The District Attorney’s Office, if practicable, shall inform the victim of any pending motion or decision by the District Attorney’s Office to sequester the victim from a critical stage in the case.  The District Attorney’s Office shall inform the Court of the victim’s position on the motion or the District Attorney’s decision, if any.  If the victim has objected, then the Court, before granting the sequestration order, shall state in writing or on the record that the victim’s objection was considered and state the basis for the Court’s decision.
• The right to be informed by the District Attorney’s Office of how the victim may request notification of the offender’s change of status from DOC, probation, or the state mental hospital.
• The right to be informed by the District Attorney’s Office of a request for progression from the state mental health hospital for an offender in its custody.

Court’s Responsibilities 

The Courts have the responsibility to: 

• State on the record a victim’s objection to any motion that may substantially delay the prosecution and that the objection was considered prior to granting any delay; 
• Acknowledge that a victim may be present at all critical stages of a criminal proceeding unless exclusion of the victim is deemed necessary; 
• Inquire as to whether the victim is present and allow the victim to be heard at any court proceeding which involves: a bond reduction or modification, a subpoena for the victim’s records, the acceptance of a negotiated plea agreement, or the sentencing or modification of a sentence of any person accused or convicted of a crime against the victim; 
• Make arrangements for a victim to appear by phone or similar technology when a victim is unavailable to appear in person for critical stages where the victim has a right to be heard (including victims that are incarcerated in a local jail, the Department of Corrections or the Division of Youth Corrections); 
• Inform the victim of the results of any court-ordered HIV testing; 
• Make all reasonable efforts to accommodate the victim upon the return of a verdict by the jury; 
• Determine the amount, if any, of restitution to be paid to a victim by any person convicted of a crime; 
• Provide victim information to any entity responsible for victim notification after the defendant is sentenced; and 
• Upon request, to notify the victim of petitions filed by sex offenders to stop sex offender registration (see C.R.S.16-22-113(2)(c)). 
• Court is responsible for informing the DA’s Office and Probation Department of a request by a probationer for early termination of probation or a request for any change in the terms and conditions of probation.

Victim’s Responsibilities 

Victims of crime have the following responsibilities: 

• Keep appropriate criminal justice authorities informed of their or their representative’s current name, address, email address, and telephone number, and any changes in this information; 
• Provide a written request to the appropriate agency if they want to be notified of information regarding the post-sentencing process. Request forms for enrollment information can be obtained from the District Attorney’s Office, the Probation Department, the Department of Corrections, the Division of Youth Corrections or the local jail; 
• For victims of cold cases for which the crime has a statute of limitations of longer than three (3) years, to request in writing an annual update in the status of the case; 
• To request notification of the release of a person accused or convicted of a crime from the county jail; 
• To request notification by the court of a defendant’s petition to stop sex offender registration; and 
• To request that correctional officials keep their address, telephone, place of employment and other personal information confidential.

For a complete list of your rights as a victim of crime as they relate to other criminal justice agencies please see: https://www.colorado.gov/pacific/dcj/ovp