FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 22, 2025
GRAND COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE RECOGNIZES OCTOBER AS DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AWARENESS MONTH
GRAND COUNTY, CO – In observance that October is nationally recognized as Domestic Violence Awareness Month, the Grand County Sheriff’s Office would like to take this opportunity to acknowledge the often-unspoken plight of many individuals and the dedicated work done by Grand County Advocates for a Violence-Free Community.
According to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence, Domestic violence is the willful intimidation, physical assault, battery, sexual assault, and/or other abusive behaviors (e.g. financial, employment security, emotional) as part of a systematic pattern of power and control perpetrated by one intimate partner against another. It includes physical violence, sexual violence, psychological violence, and emotional abuse. The frequency and severity of domestic violence can vary dramatically; however, the one constant component of domestic violence is one partner’s consistent efforts to maintain power and control over the other.
We are thankful to have the enduring support for those experiencing this type of victimization and crisis in their lives through Grand County Advocates. Advocates is a non-profit organization whose mission is to end domestic and sexual violence in our community. To accomplish this mission, Advocates provides extensive victim support services, information, prevention education and community awareness.
Karen Crabb, Executive Director for Grand County Advocates shared, “Unfortunately, domestic violence and sexual assault is something that happens everywhere and can happen to anyone regardless of gender, age, or sexual orientation. The entire team at Advocates is dedicated to providing confidential, local services to the Grand County community. We hope that anyone who has been victim to domestic violence or sexual assault knows that there is help and support available.”
If you need help, call the Grand County Advocates 24-hour confidential crisis line at 970-725-3412, always 911 in a life-threatening emergency. Learn more at GCAdvocates.org.
For the second year in a row, Grand County Advocates is inviting local businesses and organizations to participate in a county-wide “Glowing Together” campaign throughout the month of October to show support for survivors by spreading awareness by shining a purple light in storefronts, windows, and/or public displays. Purple lights, flyers, and handouts will be provided by Advocates free of cost while supplies last. To participate, complete and submit this short form: https://form.jotform.com/252226323600141. In 2024, more than 50 local businesses participated in this campaign. Purple is the national color for Domestic Violence Awareness and signifies strength, survival, and solidarity.
“Victims of domestic violence are often understandably very scared to share the truth. They may fear speaking up could cause more harm, that others will not believe them, and of others getting involved." Grand County Sheriff Brett Schroetlin stated, “If you, or a loved one, are experiencing violence in any setting, I encourage you to reach out to a safe place like Grand County Advocates for a Violence-Free Community to get support. The safety of the public is my priority and this includes abuse of any kind.”
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