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October is Domestic Violence/ Intimate Partner Abuse Awareness Month

The Office of Victim Assistance (OVA), the Office of Institutional Equity and Compliance (OIEC) and International 鶹Ժ and Scholar Services (ISSS) at CU Boulder recognize October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month (DVAM). First observed in October 1981, this month serves as a national “Day of Unity,” bringing together advocates across the country in efforts to end domestic violence.

Domestic violence, also known as intimate partner abuse, refers to abusive behaviors—physical, sexual, or economic—used by one intimate partner to gain, maintain, or regain power and control over the other. Abusive partners use various tactics to intimidate, manipulate, hurt, humiliate, or harm their partner in ways that can be difficult to recognize as abuse. This type of abuse can happen to anyone, regardless of sex, age, race, gender identity, gender expression, or sexual orientation.

Immigration Relief Options for Survivors of Domestic Violence and Other Crimes

There are U.S. Immigration Relief Options for Survivors of Domestic Violence and Other Crime (U Visa and Violence Against Women Act (VAWA)). Both documented and undocumented individuals, as well as those who entered the U.S. without inspection, may be eligible for these benefits. Individuals of any gender identity who meet the requirements can apply.

For further information on these options, access the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) websites on , and/or speak with an immigration attorney or a non-profit organization to learn more about the eligibility requirements, application process, and timeline.

Getting Help and Support

If you are concerned about a current or past relationship, or if you are worried about a friend’s relationship, please reach out to CU Boulder's . OVA offers free and confidential advocacy and trauma-informed counseling services to CU Boulder students, staff and faculty. To connect with a confidential advocate counselor, call 303-492-8855 (has 24/7 phone support) or stop by their office during .

You can also speak with a confidential Boulder-based domestic violence advocate and shelter by calling the 24-hour hotline at 303-444-2424.

Reporting Abuse

If you are uncertain or have questions about the following reporting options, OVA can confidentially guide you through the OIEC process and other reporting options like police and protection orders. OVA is also a resource for safety planning to help you make an informed decision.

CU Boulder OIEC

  • If you have experienced intimate partner abuse as a CU student, faculty, or staff you can report to the Office of Institutional Equity and Compliance (OIEC). OIEC offers a range of resolution options focused on intervention and support in addition to investigation or discipline.
  • You can file a report by contacting OIEC at 303-492-2127, or submitting an  

Police

  • Reporting to the police is an additional option
  • Colorado has a mandatory arrest policy in cases of intimate partner abuse/domestic violence when there is probable cause (belief) a crime has occurred (this includes, but is not limited to, assault, harassment, restricting access to a phone, not letting someone leave a room, harm to pets/property). Therefore, if the police assess that a crime has been committed, an arrest is likely. If there is an arrest, there is also a criminal no contact order put in place.
  • Crime victims are not required to report their immigration status to the police

Civil Protection Orders

  • A protection order is a civil legal order obtained through the courts that puts restrictions on individuals who may be dangerous to you. This is something one can apply for often without involving the police.More information can be found here:

Resources  

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