Help leaving domestic violence in Colorado
We've found 10 places in Colorado for people leaving an abuser, mostly in Colorado Springs, Aurora and Denver, and 7 that serve the whole state. Our volunteers haven't confirmed these yet, so a quick call ahead is worth it. Most of them help with legal help (5), safety & protection (4) and shelter & housing (4).
What's different in Colorado
Since a 2025 law, a survivor can use a signed self-statement, a letter from an advocate or other professional, a police report from the past 120 days, or a protection order. The landlord can charge at most one month's rent, and only with documented losses.
From our guides, where every fact links to its official source.
Places in Colorado
Violence Free Colorado
Colorado's statewide domestic violence coalition. It does not run a shelter or emergency services itself; its site points survivors to the National Domestic Violence Hotline and keeps a map of local Colorado DV programs so you can find the one nearest you.
2-1-1 Colorado
Free statewide referral line with a database of more than 6,500 services across Colorado, including shelter openings, food, rent help, mental health and substance use care, legal aid, and help for immigrants and refugees. Dial 2-1-1 or text your ZIP code.
Vital Records – Birth Certificates
State office that issues certified Colorado birth and death certificates. Orders can be placed online through GoCertificates or VitalChek; the department says normal online processing is about thirty business days.
Colorado Identification Cards
State ID cards are issued by appointment at driver license offices. First-time applicants pre-register online, then bring original documents proving legal name, date of birth, identity, lawful presence, and Colorado address. IDs are free for residents over 60; the DMV lists nonprofit partners who can help schedule appointments.
Colorado SNAP (Food Assistance)
Monthly food benefits for Colorado households with income under 200% of the federal poverty level. Apply online through Colorado PEAK, on the MyCOBenefits app, or on paper at your county human services office, which decides eligibility. The same PEAK account handles Health First Colorado (Medicaid) and cash assistance.
Colorado Legal Services
Free civil legal aid for low-income Coloradans and people 60 and older. Handles evictions, public benefits appeals (Medicaid, SNAP), protection orders, custody, consumer debt, and runs an ID Project. Every applicant goes through intake before a staff member calls back about eligibility.
TESSA Safeline
Pikes Peak region crisis line for survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, human trafficking, and stalking. Advocates do safety planning and connect callers to TESSA's safehouse, housing, legal advocacy, counseling, and children's programs. No police report is required.
Three Birds Alliance Crisis Line
The only 24/7 domestic violence shelter in Aurora and Arapahoe County. Provides emergency and extended-stay shelter for adults, children, and pets, plus licensed counseling, court advocacy, and safety planning. Start with the crisis line.
Rose Andom Center
Denver's family justice center, where domestic violence and sexual assault survivors can meet advocates, legal help, and a health clinic under one roof. Walk in during weekday hours or book an advocate online; after hours the site lists shelter and crisis numbers.
988 Colorado
Colorado's mental health and substance use line, reached by calling or texting 988. Trained specialists answer around the clock, and the site links to walk-in crisis centers across the state. Replaced the Colorado Crisis Services website in 2026.
National lines that work in Colorado
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
Call or text 988 for any mental health or substance use crisis. Available to anyone in any program.
Lifeline free phone program
Free or discounted phone and service for people on Medicaid, SNAP, SSI, or low income. Apply online or through a carrier.
National Domestic Violence Hotline
24/7 confidential help for anyone affected by domestic violence. Advocates connect you to local shelters and legal help.