Organizations come together during Domestic Violence Awareness Month

El Paso County, Colo., (KRDO)- Alarming statistics reveal El Paso County has the highest number of domestic violence cases in the state, with more than 40 domestic violence homicides in the last five years.

Organizations like 'Centro' in Colorado Springs are working to ensure victims feel empowered to speak out, even when there is a language barrier.

This organization understands that breaking the cycle is difficult, especially when there is a language barrier.

"The women we serve have a language barrier, they also suffer from a culture barrier, because in the Latino culture, these are 'family problems.' So, it is very difficult for them to speak on them," said Jackie Jaramillo, executive director for Centro.

In the last year, the non-profit has helped over 200 monolingual families dealing with domestic violence, and just this year they've helped 180.

Jackie Jaramillo, executive director of the organization believes there are many more dealing with this issue, but they are afraid to speak out.

At their center, the organization strive to help families with other resources, giving those victims a voice so they feel empowered.

For Kristen Faith Sharpe, her life's mission is to help those in abusive relationships find their voice.

"I was in a very abusive relationship for just about three years. I was strangled, I was kidnapped, I had my hands and legs tied behind my back and a pillow over my face by the person I believed loved me, Sharpe said.

Many victims of domestic violence abuse have similar stories.

"For people who haven't been in abusive relationships, they don't understand that it isn't easy to leave an abusive relationship," said Sharpe.

Ten years ago she did, and now she's using her story to empower others. This is why within the last year she created 'Boss Babe Networking'.

It's a space where women can share their stories and be empowered.

"When women are empowered, we are less likely to fall victim to abuse. It is kind of like a sandwich, one side is education, the middle part is what organizations like TESSA are doing, and on the other end is the side that often gets missed in the issues of advocacy, recovery, healing, and breaking the cycle. A lot of the organizations don't offer the other side, so Boss Babe Networking is that other side."

Boss Babe Networking is hosting an event this month. For more click here.

RESOURCES:

CENTRO CRISIS LINE: 719-271-6702 

TESSA: 719-633-3819