Bipartisan Fields Bill to Better Support Survivors of Crime Clears Committee

Legislation creates task force to improve brain injury screenings for victims of violent crimes in Colorado

DENVER, CO – Yesterday, the Judiciary Committee unanimously approved a bipartisan bill sponsored by Senator Rhonda Fields (D-Aurora) that aims to improve support for crime victims in Colorado. The bill, SB22-057, will increase support for survivors of violent crime who have experienced brain injuries.

Co-sponsored by Senator John Cooke (R-Greeley), the bill creates a task force charged with developing a plan for the creation and implementation of a pilot program that would identify and screen victims of violent crimes for symptoms of possible brain injury. 

“When someone experiences a traumatic brain injury as a result of a violent crime, their consciousness and ability to function becomes seriously impaired, which means they often can’t advocate for themselves or seek out necessary treatment,” said Sen. Fields. “We need to ensure that every crime victim has the support and resources they need to achieve justice, recover from their trauma, and move forward – that is what this bill aims to accomplish.” 

Brain injuries can be consequential and long-lasting types of injuries for survivors of crimes, but are still imperfectly understood. They are also associated with changes in emotions and behaviors and can lead to behavioral health conditions like depression. Survivors of brain injuries may have reduced ability to advocate for themselves and seek treatment due to the nature of the injury itself.

According to a University of Denver study, nearly all survivors of intimate partner violence (IPV) reported being struck in the head, and four out of five reported alterations in consciousness as a result.

SB22-057 now moves to the Appropriations Committee for further consideration. Track the progress of the bill here.