District Attorney proposes innovative family justice center for victims

In a recent government meeting, District Attorney Brian Mason and Chief Deputy DA Stephanie Fritz presented a comprehensive plan to combat domestic violence in Adams and Broomfield counties. They introduced the concept of a Family Justice Center, a proposed one-stop facility designed to provide victims of domestic violence, human trafficking, and other crimes with immediate access to essential services.

Mason emphasized the urgent need for such a center, noting that domestic violence incidents surged during the pandemic and remain a critical issue in the community. He highlighted the establishment of a specialized unit within the DA's office focused on domestic violence cases, which aims to enhance prosecution and support for victims. This unit has been instrumental in creating a Domestic Violence High Risk Team (DVHRT), which collaborates with law enforcement and community organizations to identify and assist victims at the highest risk of lethality.

Since its inception, the DVHRT has identified 245 high-risk individuals, with 91 receiving support services in the last quarter alone. The team has also conducted extensive training for police officers to better recognize the dynamics of domestic violence, ensuring they can effectively assist victims during critical moments.

Fritz shared alarming statistics from a recent domestic violence fatality review, revealing that Adams County has one of the highest per capita homicide rates related to domestic violence in the metro area. She stressed the importance of timely intervention, particularly during the dangerous period when victims attempt to leave their abusers.

The proposed Family Justice Center aims to streamline access to various services, including medical treatment, legal assistance, and counseling, all in one location. This initiative seeks to reduce the barriers victims face when seeking help and ultimately aims to prevent fatalities associated with domestic violence. The DA's office is actively working to build partnerships and secure funding to bring this vision to fruition, with the hope of creating a safer environment for victims and their families.