Attorney General Weiser, Majority Leader Duran Lead Event Supporting Survivors

DENVER - Today Colorado Democrats and statewide advocates held a press conference recognizing Domestic Violence Awareness Month and pledging continued support for survivors as reporting exposes the Republican nominee for governor's own comments regarding violent incidents with his family.

In the conference, speakers Attorney General Phil Weiser, Majority Leader Duran, and Jefferson County Commissioner Lesley Dahlkemper discussed Democrats' policy wins for survivors and made a commitment to continue listening to and supporting survivors. Domestic violence advocate Rose Andom, founder of the Rose Andom Center, and Kate Aronow, a survivor, also spoke and shared their stories.

Speakers also highlighted the stark difference between Weiser and Republican nominee for governor Victor Marx. Marx has faced national condemnation after shocking reporting last week unearthed clips of Marx describing repeated violent incidents he claims to have perpetrated - including in the home, with his family - and saying he had a "gift for violence," and an "explosive anger."

"Listening to survivors, and honoring their stories, matters," said Attorney General Phil Weiser. "As Governor, I promise to always start by listening - and to survivors of domestic violence, my message is clear: It's not your fault. As your next governor, I will always support and protect you."

"We have made huge strides for survivors, and I'm incredibly proud to have led on many of those policies at the state legislature that have saved lives and supported survivors along with AG Weiser," said Majority Leader Monica Duran. "As a survivor myself, I know how thin the line can be between survival and tragedy. I will continue fighting for resources and basic protections so anyone trapped by abuse knows there is a way out."

"To survivors of domestic violence: You deserve to be safe, supported, and heard - and you have the commitment of Phil and I to do just that as your next governor and lieutenant governor," Jefferson County Commissioner Lesley Dahlkemper said. "To all Coloradans - know that we will always show up, listen, and support and protect survivors and treat domestic violence with the seriousness it demands."

Democrats in recent years have passed several laws at the state legislature and at the ballot to expand resources available to survivors, and to better enable people in abusive relationships to protect themselves from harm. Successful measures include safe gun storage legislation, anti-intimidation laws, required documentation for law enforcement responding to domestic incidents, and Proposition KK, passed by the voters to increase funding available to support domestic violence victim services programs.

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