Grant funding from this opportunity will give the 17th Judicial District Attorney's Office increased capacity to provide services to this underserved population of victims within Adams and Broomfield.

The 17th Judicial District Attorney’s Office is requesting funding to hire a part-time (.5) Bilingual Victim Witness Specialist. If approved, this position will provide services to monolingual Spanish-speaking victims of domestic violence across all court divisions in Adams and Broomfield counties, ensuring equitable access to victim services. It is essential to address the gaps in current resources, as bilingual websites and information on victims’ rights and services in Spanish are available but often limited and insufficient. Many victims remain uncertain about where to seek help, particularly when navigating unfamiliar court process.

In 2023, the crime rate for high-risk domestic violence surged in Adams and Broomfield County by 133%. Additionally, cases involving low-level domestic violence offenses are increasingly being referred to diversion programs for resolution, which has created a gap in service for domestic violence victims who would have otherwise received services if their offender's case had followed the normal course of criminal prosecution.

Although a language line is available for immediate assistance, it is frequently overburdened, leaving victims without timely support. While this service is an alternative, it is far from ideal. Language line staff may understand the language but lack knowledge of the judicial system, and they are not trained in handling trauma, or the cultural nuances associated with domestic violence victims. Additionally, relying on family members for interpretation can turn a 15-minute call into a 30-minute ordeal, as they attempt to convey sensitive information to a victim advocate. This, combined with their lack of trauma training and familiarity with the judicial system, creates a potentially harmful situation for victims.