April is recognized as Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM), a time to raise public awareness about sexual violence and support survivors. This month, communities across the nation come together to honor the strength of survivors and advocate for prevention, education, and justice. In line with these values, Colorado has taken a significant step forward by enacting new laws, effective January 1, that strengthen the protections available to survivors of abuse and assault. Specifically, House Bill 24-1122 expands Colorado’s restraining order statutes, particularly under C.R.S. 13-14-100.2, to better safeguard victims’ emotional well-being and extend protection to their families.
Expanded Grounds for Restraining Orders in Colorado
Under the updated law, survivors can obtain civil protection orders (commonly known as restraining orders) under broader and more inclusive circumstances. Traditionally, restraining orders focused predominantly on physical violence. However, many survivors experience deep emotional or psychological harm without visible injuries. The new legislation addresses this gap by recognizing that abuse is not solely physical.
Recognizing Emotional Abuse
One of the most groundbreaking aspects of House Bill 24-1122 is the formal recognition of emotional and psychological abuse as valid grounds for a restraining order. Emotional abuse can include a range of behaviors, such as constant belittling and intimidation, as well as manipulation and isolation. These actions can have severe, lasting impacts on a person’s mental health. By broadening the criteria, Colorado now empowers survivors who may have previously struggled to prove their case because they did not have physical evidence of harm.
Protecting Family Members
In addition to expanding the definition of abuse, the new statutes ensure that family members are explicitly protected under restraining orders. Abuse rarely occurs in isolation; it often affects entire families. With these changes, not only can survivors obtain orders to protect themselves, but the law also provides safeguards for their children and other close relatives. Courts can now list family members as protected parties and may even grant temporary custody arrangements to ensure their safety. This holistic approach reflects a growing understanding of the complex dynamics of abuse and the ripple effects it can have on a household.
Enhanced Accessibility to Protection
The revisions have also made it easier for survivors to access legal protection. Previously, survivors sometimes encountered logistical and financial barriers when filing for a restraining order. The updated law removes filing fees and service costs, ensuring that cost is not a deterrent for anyone seeking safety. Furthermore, survivors can now file for a restraining order in any county where the abuse occurred. This change minimizes bureaucratic hurdles and allows survivors to seek help in a location that feels safest to them.
The Impact on Survivors and Their Families
These changes send a strong, supportive message: survivors of sexual assault, domestic violence, stalking, and other forms of abuse deserve robust legal protection. The inclusion of emotional abuse as a criterion validates the experiences of many who have long suffered in silence. Abuse that damages a person’s mental and emotional health is just as serious as physical abuse, and the law’s acknowledgment of this fact can play a critical role in a survivor’s journey toward healing.
For families, these legal protections mean that children and other relatives do not have to endure the trauma of witnessing or experiencing abuse. By including family members in protection orders, the law recognizes that safety must extend beyond the individual to encompass everyone impacted by the abuse. This comprehensive approach not only protects vulnerable individuals but also reinforces the idea that healing is a communal effort.
Why These Changes Matter During Sexual Assault Awareness Month
Sexual Assault Awareness Month provides an important backdrop for discussing these legislative changes. SAAM is dedicated to raising awareness about the prevalence of sexual violence and ensuring that survivors have access to the support and resources they need. The enhanced Colorado statutes are a practical manifestation of this commitment to protection and empowerment.
During SAAM, conversations often center around prevention, education, and the resources available for survivors. The new law serves as a reminder that the legal system is evolving to better support those who have experienced abuse. It emphasizes the importance of recognizing all forms of harm, including physical, emotional, and psychological, and taking proactive steps to ensure that survivors are not left to face the aftermath of abuse alone.
The Road to a Safer Future
The enactment of these statutes represents a broader societal shift toward recognizing the multifaceted nature of abuse. By expanding the definition of abuse and reducing barriers to obtaining a restraining order, Colorado is taking a proactive stance in protecting its citizens. This is especially significant during SAAM, a time when advocacy for survivors is at the forefront of public discourse. The law acknowledges that legal protection is a critical component of a survivor’s safety and recovery and that it must adapt to reflect the realities of abuse in today’s society.
While the new statutes are a significant step forward, it is important to remember that legal protections are just one piece of a larger support network. Education, community outreach, and mental health services also play essential roles in helping survivors rebuild their lives. As we observe Sexual Assault Awareness Month, let us all commit to supporting survivors, advocating for continued legislative progress, and ensuring that everyone has access to the resources they need to heal.
How Moreno Family Law, LLC Stands with Survivors
At Moreno Family Law, LLC, we are dedicated to supporting survivors and their families through every step of their journey. If you or someone you care about is a survivor of abuse or assault, know that help is available. Our compassionate legal team is here to guide you through your options for obtaining a restraining order under the new Colorado statutes.
Contact us today at (303) 590-3690 to schedule a confidential consultation. Let us help you get the protection you deserve, not just during Sexual Assault Awareness Month, but every day of the year.