Did you know that and estimated 1 in 3 women and 1 in 4 men experience domestic violence in their lifetime?
Domestic violence is far more common than many people realize and affects individuals and families from every walk of life — regardless of age, gender, income, or background. Survivors often face enormous physical, emotional, and financial hurdles when attempting to escape abuse and begin rebuilding their lives. That’s why a strong, coordinated community response is so important.
In Douglas County, dedicated nonprofit organizations like TESSA and the Crisis Center offer safe, confidential, and trauma-informed services to help survivors find stability and healing. From emergency shelter to legal advocacy and mental health counseling, these services are critical in helping individuals break free from abuse and begin the path toward safety and independence.
What Is Domestic Violence?
Domestic violence is a pattern of coercive and abusive behavior used by one partner to gain and maintain power and control over another. It can take many forms, including physical, emotional, sexual, verbal, technological, and financial abuse. Domestic violence can happen to anyone — regardless of gender, age, income level, or background.
Get the Support You Need
Douglas County is proud to partner with organizations that provide trauma-informed, confidential services to survivors of domestic violence.
TESSA has served survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, and human trafficking since 1977. Headquartered in Colorado Springs and now expanding into Douglas County, TESSA provides comprehensive, wraparound support grounded in safety, empowerment, and healing.
In November 2024, Douglas County purchased a building to serve as a domestic violence Safehouse and entered into a $350,000 partnership with TESSA to operate the facility. The Douglas County Safehouse, managed by TESSA, will provide secure, emergency housing and support for individuals and families escaping abuse.
At this time, TESSA’s services in Douglas County will be delivered on-site at the Safehouse and are designed to meet the urgent needs of those residing there. These services include:
The Crisis Center has provided free and confidential domestic violence services in Douglas County to individuals and families impacted by domestic violence since 1985. Their trauma-informed programs include:
If you are in immediate danger, call or text 9-1-1. If it’s not an emergency, reach out to your local police department or the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office non-emergency line: 303-660-7500.
You can also call the Douglas County Victim Assistance team at 303-660-7535 for local support and referrals.
National 24-Hour Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-SAFE (7233)
TESSA’s 24/7 SafeLine: 719-633-3819
Crisis Center’s 24/7 Crisis Line: 303-688-8484
