Senate Approves Bill to Strengthen Support for Survivors of Domestic Violence

DENVER, CO – The Senate passed legislation to strengthen victim protections in domestic violence cases with bipartisan support.

HB23-1222, sponsored by Senators Faith Winter, D-Westminster, and Dylan Roberts, D-Avon, would require municipalities that criminalize domestic violence to establish protections and rights for victims consistent with the Victims Rights Act (VRA). These requirements include that: 

  • Victims, victims’ families, and witnesses of a domestic violence violation will receive protections and rights under the VRA;

  • Sentencing, probation, and release on bond for a violation must be consistent with state law;

  • Guidelines and standards are consistent with those adopted by the Domestic Violence Offender Management Board; and

  • The prosecuting attorney that originally meets with the victim should make an effort to stay on the case throughout the proceeding.

“I’m proud to be a part of multiple pieces of transformative legislation to strengthen autonomy and control for survivors of intimate violence,” said Winter. “No survivor should ever have to pay a bill for their forensic exam, or feel unsafe during their court proceedings. This bill signals our commitment to furthering support for survivors of domestic violence in Colorado.”

“Since the pandemic, domestic violence cases have surged across the United States, including here in Colorado,” Roberts said. “Under current law, county and municipal courts aren’t held to the same procedural standards for domestic violence cases, which allows perpetrators and survivors to fall through the cracks. This bill will improve the way municipal courts handle domestic violence cases – ensuring survivors are given the protections they deserve while creating a safer state for all Coloradans.”

The Colorado Domestic Violence Fatality Review Board reported that there were 91 fatalities due to domestic violence in 2021 – the highest the state has seen since the board was founded in 2017.

HB23-1222 now heads to the Governor’s desk. Follow its progress HERE.

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