Step Up To Help Domestic Violence Victims

Advocates with TESSA, a local group that helps domestic violence victims, said they have seen a sharp rise in domestic violence cases in Colorado Springs.

According to Colorado Springs police, officers have responded to several strangulation calls every week this month.

Charity Richardson is a manger at TESSA. She said violence tends to rise during the holiday season, but the group has been especially busy with calls for help this year.

Richardson said the most important thing people can do to curb violence is to keep an eye out and step in if violence is suspected.

She said many people who suspect violence, or even see or hear it, turn a blind eye because they do not want to get involved in someone else’s business.

However, she said the only way to address domestic violence as a community is to address the problem directly.

Richardson suggests that if you see someone in public being physically bullied or verbally abused, you should get help from a security guard or call police.

She said another tip is to distract the abuser and get the victim out of the potentially dangerous situation.

TESSA trains volunteers to help victims and provides a range of services to protect and counsel domestic violence victims.

If you would like more information on how to help of if you are in need of services, click here.