Three weeks ago, I managed to escape an abusive relationship after enduring almost five years of domestic violence. Now, as a single mother of six children, I find myself in an indescribable situation: we have no home, no job, no financial support, and no legal representation. Despite reaching out to various resources, most assistance programs are ill-equipped to support a family of our size, leaving us vulnerable and without hope in Lochbuie, CO.

The system designed to protect and empower victims of domestic violence has gaps that leave survivors like me struggling in the aftermath of escape. These institutional shortcomings impact not just me but countless others who’ve faced domestic violence in our community. We are left feeling as if we are still trapped in the shadow of our abusers with the constant fear of instability and insecurity.

According to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence (NCADV), one in four women in the United States suffer from domestic violence at some point in their lives. Of those, many are left economically disadvantaged and without the necessary support to rebuild their lives. It is critical that the local and state support systems in Colorado recognize the unique challenges faced by larger families who have fled abusive environments and to provide sustainable solutions to them.

We urge local government officials, nonprofit organizations, and community leaders in Lochbuie and the wider Weld County area to:

1. Expand funding and resources for shelters that can accommodate larger families, ensuring that no one is turned away due to family size.
2. Implement more inclusive assistance programs that provide job training, legal aid, and financial support to victims without income constraints.
3. Establish a task force dedicated to understanding and addressing the specific needs of domestic violence victims with children, focusing particularly on the emotional and educational needs of the children affected.

With these actions, we can provide a lifeline to those who desperately need it, allowing victims of domestic violence to feel supported and valued, and fostering a community where everyone has the chance to live a life free from fear and deprivation.

Join me in calling on our local leaders to take immediate action. Together, we can change the trajectory of countless lives. Please sign this petition and help us reach our goal of creating a more supportive and responsive system for survivors in our community.