In a bid to offer solace and support to survivors of domestic abuse, Douglas County has teamed up with TESSA, a veteran non-profit in the fight against domestic violence, to amp up resources for those in need of refuge. Completed in June 2024, the Douglas County Domestic Violence Needs Assessment survey pinpointed a dire need for physical safety and housing, with alarming figures showing 1 in 3 women and 1 in 4 men report suffering from domestic abuse in their lifetime. Stepping up to address this, the county took the initiative to procure a facility last November intended for use as a domestic violence shelter.
The recent developments were cemented in an agreement, approved by the Board of Douglas County Commissioners at the March 25 Business Meeting. The board has sanctioned a $350,000 service agreement, collaborating with TESSA to enhance the number of safehouse beds. According to Douglas County, Commissioner Abe Laydon sees this partnership as a beacon of "hope," a sentiment echoing through the community, mainly among survivors of domestic violence.
Commissioner Kevin Van Winkle extolled TESSA, which is carrying nearly 50 years of experience across the county border from El Paso County, emphasizing their deep-seated expertise as key to bolstering support for survivors. Commissioner George Teal, echoing his fellow commissioners, highlighted the critical need for a more effective safehouse. With TESSA onboard, he believes the right foundations are in place to guide victims toward recovery.
The Douglas County Safehouse promises survivors a 24/7 sanctuary, reinforced by legal aid and mental health support. This includes counseling and trauma-informed therapy designed to facilitate emotional healing while assisting in navigating the intricacies of the legal system. Working in unison with the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office, local law enforcement, and legal practitioners, the goal is to fashion a coordinated effort attending fully to survivors' needs. Anne Markley, CEO of TESSA, affirmed in an interview with Douglas County that for many survivors, accessing such services is tantamount to choosing between life and death and is critical to breaking the cycle of abuse.
