According to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence, one in four women (24.3%) and one in seven men (13.8%) aged 18 and older in the United States have been the victim of severe physical violence by an intimate partner in their lifetime. Many cases of domestic violence involving male victims go unreported due to societal stigmas, misconceptions and the underestimation of male victimization rates.
Defining domestic abuse
The Duluth Model, also known as the Wheel of Power and Control, is a community-based tool law enforcement and human service agencies use to address intimate partner violence. Developed by the Domestic Abuse Intervention Project in Duluth, Minnesota, the model coordinates consistent responses to survivors, and it helps these agencies identify patterns of violence in relationships. The model is grounded in three primary goals: ensuring survivor safety, holding offenders accountable and changing community tolerance of domestic violence.
The Wheel of Power and Control identifies eight key tactics used by perpetrators of intimate partner violence:
- Coercion and threats: Threatening to leave, commit suicide, institutionalize the victim or coerce them to drop charges or commit crimes.
- Intimidation: Displaying weapons, abusing pets, shouting and using threatening body language.
- Emotional Abuse: Name-calling, gaslighting, playing mind games, humiliating and guilt-tripping.
- Isolation: Controlling the victim’s actions, contacts, whereabouts and consumption and using jealousy to justify these behaviors.
- Minimizing, denying and blaming: Shifting blame for the abuse, including DARVO (denying, attacking and reversing victim and offender roles) tactics.
- Using children: Making a victim feel guilty about children in their care, using children as messengers or manipulating the family court system to restrict access to children.
- Male privilege: Treating the victim as a servant, dictating gender roles, acting as the “master of the house” and making all of the significant household decisions.
- Economic abuse: Preventing the victim from working, controlling access to money, withholding financial information or limiting their ability to access resources.
Support through mental health services
According to Aspen Hope Center Executive Director Erin Mitchell, the center incorporates support for domestic violence survivors into its mental health services — primarily through individual and group therapy.
While the Hope Center is not specifically focused on domestic violence, its school-based program tackles related issues by focusing on prevention and fostering positive relationships among students.
“We run healthy relationship groups and teach nonviolent communication skills, strengthening student support systems by identifying trusted adults, engagement in community activities and referrals to community-based organizations,” Mitchell said, noting that the program has clinicians operating in public schools from Aspen to Rifle.
For survivors of domestic violence, the Hope Center offers various therapeutic approaches. However, Mitchell noted that when intensive trauma work is needed the center refers individuals to community-based clinicians for additional support.
Mitchell acknowledged stigma and shame can be significant barriers for families affected by domestic violence. “Building nonjudgmental partnerships with families is very important to us,” she said. The Hope Center is a sort of referral hub, connecting clients to resources like temporary housing, food assistance and mental health resources.
Mitchell encouraged public involvement, stating, “The community can support our efforts by supporting our organization, engaging in open discussions about healthy relationships, and supporting partner organizations such as Advocate Safehouse Project and others involved with domestic violence services.”
Advocate Safehouse Project
The Advocate Safehouse Project provides survivors of domestic, sexual and intimate partner violence with resources such as support groups, educational conferences, essential items (such as toiletries and clothing), a 24-hour anonymous helpline and a safehouse that provides emergency housing to survivors.
Crystal Young, advocacy director, discussed the urgent need for affordable housing solutions for survivors of domestic violence. Young, who has been with the agency since 2000, explained that the current system provides emergency housing but lacks a transitional program. “We need affordable housing that survivors can access easily after a crisis,” Young said.
Young noted that while their safe house offers temporary relief, the high cost of housing often means survivors stay there for extended periods — sometimes up to six months. “Our community needs more sustainable housing options,” she added.
On community involvement, Young suggested that individuals can contribute by volunteering or donating to the agency. “We’re looking for volunteers for our helpline, and donations of new personal care items are also needed,” she said.
Young recommended contacting local housing authorities and charities for those interested in helping. She also noted that household items or gift card donations are beneficial as these help defer the costs of operating their facility.
Working through the courts
Erin Richards-Wilhelm, a Glenwood Springs-based attorney and member of the Family Law Section of the Colorado Bar Association, is well-acquainted with the challenges faced by domestic violence victims in rural Colorado.
“Shelters are hard to come by and, with the cost of living, it’s impossible,” she said, noting that services are often only accessible to those in dire financial need.
Richards-Wilhelm has worked extensively with Alpine Legal Services, providing legal assistance such as protection orders and divorce representation. “There’s a victims compensation board that can provide financial support for rent, therapy or medical bills,” she explained, highlighting that victims’ needs often extend beyond legal assistance.
Applications are filed in the judicial district where the crime occurred. Information on filing a claim for victim compensation can be found at www.dcj.colorado.gov/dcj-offices/ovp/crime-victim-compensation
The cost of legal services, however, remains a significant barrier. Richards-Wilhelm noted the importance of mediation, which the courts require, as a cost-saving alternative for divorce proceedings. “Mediation is required by the courts for good reason. It limits the scope of your divorce trial and saves so much money,” she stated.
To address these systemic challenges, Richards-Wilhelm suggests broader education and awareness. “I think we need a more open and honest dialogue about what abuse is and what domestic violence is,” she said, pointing to financial abuse as a commonly overlooked issue. She hopes to see more education for general practitioners and judges to better recognize and address domestic abuse.
Greater community awareness, support and accessible resources are essential to breaking the cycle of domestic violence and supporting survivors.
If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic abuse, help is available. Call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 (SAFE), or the Aspen Hopeline at 970-925-5858 for confidential support and resources.