The Colorado Springs Police Department is making strides in addressing the pervasive issue of domestic violence during Domestic Violence Awareness Month this October, a campaign that takes place nationally and aims to connect organizations while shining a light on the struggles faced by numerous individuals. Launched on a national level back in 1987, this month is not just about awareness, but also about enhancing support for victims and survivors, demanding accountability from abusers, and continuously improving relevant legislation.
According to the Colorado Springs Police Department, domestic violence unfolds across America, impacting over 10 million people on an annual basis, a number that does not discriminate based on gender, age, or cultural background. In Colorado Springs alone, the estimated number of people affected each year runs in the hundreds of thousands, though this count fails to include the numerous incidents that remain shielded from the public eye due to fear and the stigma surrounding the subject.
To combat this issue locally, CSPD encourages the community to donate used or broken cell phones to their "Phone it Forward Program." In collaboration with the 911 Cell Phone Bank, these devices are securely cleared of data and then repaired, recycled, or given to survivors of domestic violence, equipping them with a critical tool for connecting with support and emergency services. For those interested, drop boxes are stationed in the Police Operations Center and throughout CSPD substations in Colorado Springs.
