extracted text

Spring 1993

Colorado
Domestic Violence Coalition
The Crime Of Silence Colorado's 1992 Domestic Violence Deaths

DOMESTIC
VIOLENCE
FATALITIES
70

DEADADULTS
Men: 22
Women : 27

DEAD CHILDREN
Male: 2
Female: 2
Unbom:2

SUICIDES
Men: 13
Women: 2

AMBIGUOUS
CASES:
RELATIONSHIP
IMPLIED BUT
ACCOUNT TOO
BRIEF TO JUDGE;
not part of homi/femicide total
Men: 2
Women: 3

Recycle - Please pass along
to a friend

Every fifth day of 1992 a
Coloradan was murdered in
a domestic-violence-related
crime. Last year 70 homicides or femicides in
Colorado that I was able to
document were directly
attributable to domestic violence. I suspect that that figure is conservative.
The list of victims (see page
4) gathered from a year-long
scrutiny of Denver's daily
newspapers reveals the carnage. But there is no official
list, because no state or
national law enforcement
agency, health department
or other institution of public
record gathers such statistics. The result is that crimes
associated with domestic
violence continue to be misinterpreted or minimized in
public reports.
Violence arising from
thwarted attachments killed
more men than women in
1992, in spite of the fact that
27 adult women were shot,
stabbed, or bludgeoned to
death.
Fifteen men were killed by
other men in domestic-vialence-related homicides,
including two cases in which
law officers shot alleged
perpetrators. Thirteen men
committed suicide after
attacking or killing their
rivals, their spouses, their
girlfriends or their estranged
wives. Seven men were
killed by their mates or girlfriends. Two boys were

murdered along with their
mothers as a result of
domestic violence.
And no one reported the sex
of the two unborn children
who died when their mothers were murdered.
The reader didn ' t have to
look far for other child vietims of domestic violence,
however. Two femal e children died. One was a
teenager whose boyfriend
was arrested for her murder;
the other was murdered simply because she was in the
house when a vengeful
killer called.
A number of the child witnesses tried to help their
mothers. In Monte Vista,
Nellie Balderas' 3- and 7year old daughters couldn't
be of much help as they
watched their father allegedly stab their mother 7 times
with a knife, but 7-year-old
Jasmine Smith was able to
testify in court that she saw
Larry Adams kill her mother
with a claw hammer. Nineyear-old Christopher
Phillips was able to run for
help as his stepfather, using
two knives, slashed and
stabbed Christopher's mom.
Mrs. Phillips died but her
husband was apprehended.

The Rocky Mountain News
reported a 12-year-old's
wounding by her father on
August 18, 1992, when he
used a shotgun to gain entry
to the house where his wife

by Connie Platt

was staying. The Rocky
reminded readers of other
adolescents who had been
involved in domestic-vialence-related crimes that
year: a 14-year-old girl who
was stabbed in the eye by
her mother's boyfriend
when she tried to break up
their fi ght; a 13-year-old girl
who stabbed and a 13 yearold boy who shot the men
who were assaulting their
mothers.
The social costs of this violence are impossible to compute, as are the psychological costs to survivors, witnesses and families of both
victims and perpetrators.
The money spent on arrest,
trial, imprisonment and
health care totals millions
each year. For example, in
February 1993, a Denver
General Hospital spokeswoman reported at $643 ,237
the cost thus far of treating
attempted suicide Ray
Stuart, accused in July 1992
of murdering his estranged
wife and her 15-year-old
son.
In April the Colorado
Bureau oflnvestigation will
issue state homicide statistics for 1992. These will not
give a picture of the family
violence by which men,
women, and children are
victimized. Until they do,
only careful readers will be
aware that fatal crimes of
domestic violence are far
from exceptional.

CDVC Executive Board
Co-Chairs
PamLozow
SafeHouse for Battered Women, Inc.,
Denver
Cynthia Black
Alternatives to Family Violence,
Commerce City
Treasurer & Women of Color
Committee
Debbie Duran
Denver Victim Services Center
Secretary & Victim/Survivor
Committee
Karol McKinster
Alternatives to Family Violence,
Commerce City
NCADV Representative
Carol Simmons
Alternative Horizons, Durango
Region II
Ruth Ann Russell
SafeHouse for Battered Women, Inc.,
Denver
Region III
Pat Kreuser
Center for the Prevention of Domestic
Violence, Colorado Springs
Region IV
Cherie Paller
The Resource Center, Vail
Betty Sorenson
Delta County Crisis Intervention Team
Rural Issues Committee co-members
Diane Moore
Advocates Against Battering & Abuse
Steamboat Springs
Dee Hickerson
Family Crisis Services, Canon City
Children's Advocacy Committee
Susan Mountjoy
Gateway Battered Women's Shelter,
Aurora
Lesbian Issues Committee
Jill McFadden
Alternatives to Family Violence,
Commerce City
Legislative Committee
Jo A. Roll

CDVC Mission
To eliminate violence in all of its
forms through
■ community awareness & education
■ technical assistance
■ program development
■ coordination
■ advocacy
■ social change
2

The View From Here
If you think you read a lot in the
newspapers about domestic violence
these days, you're right. Once a week,
at least, there is a story about another
domestic-violence-related killing.
That's because, according to our statistics, there IS more than one domestic violence killing per week in
Colorado. This issue of the CDVC
newsletter focuses on the deaths due
to domestic violence that the newspapers believed significant enough to
report to the public. The toll is alarming: 70 in 1992.
These numbers expose the most dramatic tip of the iceberg. Day-to-day
battering that slowly, methodically
drains the life from those touched by
the violence rarely makes the news.
Some murders and suicides resulting
from domestic violence, even when
detected, never make the news. The
effects on other family members and
the community at large are al so
absent from most accounts of murders and daily battering.
In 1991 (the most recent period for
which we have statistics), Colorado
domestic violence programs provided
counseling to more than 8,500
women. Each woman was abused
many times. Each family was touched
by the violence. Each family lived in
a community that experienced a loss
in their sense of safety and security.

Announcements
April 3
Domestic Violence Conference,
Greeley (303) 356-5120
April 17
"Woman as Survivor: Therapy Skills
Training", Lenore Walker, Ed.D. &
Johanna Callers, Ph.D.
Denver (303) 322-3444

Jan Mickish Ph.D.

CDVC and its members are serving
more people each day, and the numbers
keep growing. We ask you to contact
CDVC or the domestic violence program in your area to discuss ways in
which you can help.
ff ff ff ff ff ff ff ff

The Public Utilities Commission
extended for another 30 days (until
April 4, 1993) the FREE PER LINE
BLOCKING OF CALLER ID for all
phones. They reached their decision
after receiving numerous complaints
about Caller ID and Line Blocking.
The community is confused about
these services. In some cases even US
WEST seems to have been confused
about these services. Some customers
have been given wrong information
about the services - including whether
their line is blocked. US WEST has, in
the opinion of the PUC, not provided
adequate remedies to these and other
problems. Therefore, the PUC EXTENDED FREE PER LINE BLOCKING.
After April 4, there will be a one-time
$8.00 fee to block your line.
If you value your privacy, are a battered woman, believe you will ever
help a battered woman, provide services for battered women or others
who seek safety:
BLOCK YOUR LINE
1-800-637 -9393

CDVC
Executive Directo r
Janet Mickish, Ph .D.
Resource Development
Frank Starr
Public Information/ Education
Connie Platt
Office Manager
Pat Hynes
Lola Smith

Newsletter

April 25 - May 1
Nation Crime Victims'
Rights Week

Publisher: M & M Publications
Editor: Connie Platt
Contributor: Lisbeth Mullin

May20-21
"The Next Step: ... Relationship
Violence in Oppressed Populations"
Denver (303) 797-1094

The CDVC Newsletter is published
quarterly © 1993. Send articles to
P.O.Box 18902, Denver, CO 80218
For ad rates call Connie Platt
(303) 573-9018

Citizen Volunteers Mon itor DV Perpetrators
In 18th Judicial District
Any metro Denver citizen who wants
a simultaneous course in civics and
Domestic Violence 10 I can get it free
of charge by enrolling in a unique volunteer program sponsored by the 18th
Judicial District probation department.
The Deputy Probation Officer (DPO)
program was born out of a happy
marriage of administrative interests.
The District's Chief Probation Officer,
Frank Minkner, was aware of the
potential danger to the community
posed by increasing numbers of
domestic violence perpetrators and
veteran probation department volunteer Virginia Vobejda saw the need for
offender services. The program they
and other probation department staff
devised now has 20 citizen volunteers
serving 412 perpetrators at the
Littleton location, which is where I
worked nine months as a volunteer.

girlfriends, ex-girlfriends or, in one case,
"a woman who j ust kept bugging me."
And who were these men? Several
were self-described innocents, railroaded by what they knew from past
unfortunate experiences was a cruel
system that had no business interferi ng
in their personal lives. Several allowed
as how they had done what they had
pled guilty to, but wanted me to understand that their acts were not as violent
as they were described. Several were
already enrolled in treatment and
attending regularly. They seemed to be
struggling to understand how they had
gotten where they were now. Several
were in treatment for alcohol abuse as
well as domestic violence, because
they had problems with both drinking
and violence.

After 18 hours of evening and weekend training, I got my first cases, thick
manila folders each filled with police
and court information, a social history
reported by the perpetrator and a presentencing report prepared by Dr.
Frank Robinson, the department psychologist who evaluates the treatment
needs of those an-ested for domestic
violence. This was the beginning of
my experience Doing Paperwork.

During the course of my tenure, I had
to report to the court that four of my
probationers were not complying with
the court's orders. Two disappeared.
One asked to be reassigned to a new
probation officer because I "harassed"
him by calling hi m at work. This was
the same man whose wife cursed me
for reporting his violation of probation,
telling me that he would be sent to jail
and would'n' t be able to work to support the family. She was in a bind, for
sure, but he had punched her before,
was not in alcohol or domestic
violence treatment as ordered and
during his last assault, he
happened to punch their
son just as a law officer
aITived on the domestic
violence call.

It's the DPOs job to master all the
material about each client and with the
help of the department director, to
devise a plan of supervision. As a
DPO I was given lower-risk cases.
Using a risk/needs assessment form to
determine the freq uency at which they
needed to be seen, I scheduled interviews with my cl ients and met the first
of twelve men who had kicked,
choked, punched, slapped, restrained,
threatened or spanked their partners,

The paperwork was
incredible. I documented
my little heart out. The
firs t principle of the
DPO program is our
responsibility for the
safety of the community, and although
all but one of these men presented
himself as mild-mannered, respectful
and compliant, I knew that any time
somebody pu nches or chokes or pushes
or slaps somebody else, that act is

Volunteers are asked to commit for six
months' service and to be available
approximately four hours a week.
They have their choice of working
with adolescents, the general adult
probationer or domestic violence
perpetrators. I chose the latter.

by Connie Platt

potenti all y lethal. So I took seriously
the directive to write complete and
accurate notes so my supervisor,
Dexter Shipman, would have documentation if an emergency arose.
During the course of my volunteer se rvice, I developed an enormous respect
for the probation officers who do this
work. I observed Dexter, Frank and the
clerical staff dealing conscientiously
and competently with a wide array of
people, some of whom were very
difficult. They understand the challenge
of monitoring and containi ng a population that is in many cases resistant
even to the idea that they have committed a criminal act. This is citizen
participation in government on the
front lines, a professional opportunity.
To learn more, call Susan Cooper,
Community Alternatives, Inc., (303)
794- 3224.

3

Domestic Violence Fatalities

by Connie P latt

Domestic-viole n ce-related crimes: victims by gender, counting suicides
37Men
31 Women

Domestic Violence Deaths 1992

February

Suspect(s), Charged
(ch) or Convicted(c)

Dead

Joe Crespin (s)
William Bronson (ch)
Michelle Atencio (c)
Pranfar Prakongkai

Gilbert Rodriguez
Ramona Macon
Raymond Mascarenas
self

?
Robert Tresch

Sharon Ann Harris
self

Center

Charles Jaramillo

self

Denver
Loveland

James Eric Scott (ch)
Angela Lopez
Carroll Dean Wheeler (c) Dennis Potemski

Colorado Springs

Gabriel Vazquez (s)

Colorado Springs

March

Denver
Denver

Aurora
Aurora
Windsor
April

Grand Junction
Pueblo
Denver
Aurora
Denver
Denver
Thornton
Pueblo
Pueblo
Rifle

May

Denver
Golden
Brighton

June
4

Denver

Circumstances/
Relationship
jealous rival
girlfriend
husband
attack on woman on whom
his attentions were fixed
attack on woman on whom
his attentions were fixed
attempted murder
of former wife
girlfriend

Julio Zamairon
Guadalupe Zamarron
Shelly L. Blackman
Thomas Terry
self
girlfriend-'
Larry D. Adams (c)
Jennifer Jones
mother
Jeffrey K. Alexander (c) Elva Castro
Nohemi Alvarado (10)
Antonio Robles (13)
Stephen Katibah
?
Maxine Dooley (s)
Lairy Dooley
Denise Weber-Sanderson
Mike Sanderson
self
Thomas Rodden (ch)
Theresa Horton
Larry Phillips (ch)
Karen Phillips
Leonard Davis
Angela Young (c)
Yvette Strong
suspect
Joshua P. Muniz (s)
Denise Salazar
"roommate" DV
Frank Lee (s)
Faustino Cucinega
m·gument
with w
self
Christopher Smart
ex-girlfriend
Phylis Mendoza
Panciano Zendejasunborn child
Garces (ch)
self
Jose Miera
girlfriend
Linda Cortez
killed couple for trailer
David Bollinger (ch)
James Vertrees
to impress ex-girlfriend
Rose Vertrees
in presence of boyfriend
self
Ethel Lamorie
estranged husband
self
Bela Boros
wife
Maria Boros
ex-husband died of heart
Tony Gai-cia
attack after trespass argument
husband
Jose Sanchez
Alice Mae Grant (s)

Parachute

July

Fox Creek/Alamosa
Julesburg
Byers

August

Wiggins
Aurora
Edgewater
Fort Collins
Fort Carson
Denver
Brighton
Silver Cliff

October

November

December

Richard Manupella

self
Richard Kimball
Richard Williams (s)
Rhonda Williams
unborn child
Sean Stiles (s)
Ken Ball
Ray Stuart (ch)
Tracy Jo Stuart
Kevin Woodson
Alfredo Martinez (s)
Maria Montez
Nathan Breackenridge (s) F.J. McDermott
Pat Lowe
Virginia Lowe
John Lowe
John V. Miller
Valerie Miller
John V. Miller
Varnardo Larkin (s)
Shawn Carter
Steven Gant
Michael Janoushek (s)
Rose Jenkins
self
Daniel L. Evans
Dennis Finn
Jeriann Evans
James Peters (s)
Virginia Peters
Benny Padilla (ch)
Gloria Martinez
Mark S. Manning (ch)
Shirley Shook/Carr
Paula Jean Moore
?
W.D. Roberts
self
Maurice Glenn
self

Wheat Ridge
Denver
Fort Carson
Monte Vista
New Castle
Denver
Denver

Benjamin Sparrow (s)
Reginald Carter (ch)
Honey Downen (ch)
Juanito Balderas (ch)
Sally Simms
Alfonso Olivera (s)
James Polson

Jefferson County
Colorado Springs

Robert Brantner (s)

Mark Rust
Chaka Eaton
Donald Corbett
Nellie Balderas
self
Louis Contos
self
Joyce Polson
Robert Monheiser
Cheryl Brantner

jealousy over ex-wife
estranged wife
mother's boyfriend
estranged wife
stepson
estranged husband
father-in-law
wife
son
ex-wife
shot by police
insult to wife
police shot on DV call
girlfriend

estranged wife
ex-wife
girlfriend
girlfriend
family argument
police shootout in Ohio
attempted murder
of estranged wife
argument over girlfriend
girl friend
boyfriend
wife
domestic violence
rivalry over victim's wife

Other Family Violence
January
February

Ft. Collins
Denver

John Alexander (ch)
Patrick Ortez

April

Byers

Lawrence W. Edens

June
August
October
November

Dacono
Longmont
Denver
La.Junta
Littleton

December

Thornton

Paul Landwehr
Manuel E . Muela (s)
Gabriel Ned (s)
?
double suicide?
murder/suicide?
34-year-old woman

Woodland Park

15-year-old son

Robert Alexander
fathe
suicide
Tony Ortez
son
suicide
Marty Edens
moth
suicide
stab
Luis Armendariz
nep
Michael Ned C ~~,._. -Carlos
Pat.
.,..
Josi
app
5Pa

~ ~ ~--- ,_
- d
_' er~
---

Order Form for "Many Strong and Beautiful Women" items
Please make checks payable to CDVC. P. 0. Box 18902 Denver, CO 80218.
All proceeds go to Colorado Domestic Violence Coalition.
Product
Adult (100% cotton) t-sh irt

Quantity

Size
M

Cost Each
$18.00
L
$18.00
XL
$18.00
XXL
$1 8.00
Long sleeved (100% cotton) sh irts
L
$26.00
XL
, $26.00
Nite Shirt ( one size fits all)
$26.00
Canvas Tote Bag (14" x 18" x 5")
$18.00
$12.50
Box of cards 10
Ship To:
- - - - - - -- - - - - -- - -- Total for Merchand ise
Name
- - - - - - - - - - -- - - - - - Shipping & Handling
Add res s_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _A_p~t_#_ _ __
Tax 7.3%
Total Amount Enclosed
City _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _S_t_a_te___Z_ip.....__ __

Total

$
$ 2.00

$
$

ADA Compliance In The Shelter Phone Screen
by L isbeth Mullin

Four out of five women with disabilities will be abused. A staggering statistic, yet without it we would not recognize the importance of access for all
women to battered women's shelters.
Domestic Violence Initiative for
Women with Disabilities (DVI) has
begun gathering statistics of the number of women served by Denver metro
area shelters. An average of 35% of
shelter residents have disabilities. The
numbers come in because shelters are
asking a simple, yet vital question during thier phone screen: "Do you have
any special needs?"
The counselor is telling the caller she
recognizes barriers surround the disabled victim every day - and the shelter staff is assessi ng her reasonableaccomodation needs during this time
of crisis. DVI can continue to keep
track of the number of women receiving services and can assist the staff in
providing appropriate services and
referrals, assuring that the resident
will not be revictimized by baITiers to
the system. Shelters are putting transition plans in place to comply with the
Americans with Disabilities Act
(ADA), and one of the questions being
asked is, "Is it legal to ask if she is disabled?" According to Ron Patick of
Meeting the Challenge, Inc., (the
regional experts on ADA compliance,
once a client has been accepted into
shelter during the initial phone-screen,
the shelter can - and should - ask
about her disability status. Some suggested wordings include: "Will you
have any special medical or independent living needs while you stay with
us?" "Do you need any special
accomodations to assist you in your
stay in shelter?" "We serve all members of the community and would like
to know if you need any special accomodations." She will hear that you are
sensitive to her needs, DVI can continue to collect vital statistics and
ensure access to services, and the shelter will remain in compliance with the
ADA laws.

SOURCES
interview
interview
interview
informal
in terview
interv iew
interview

Jean Parker, Colorado Cross-Disability Coalition January 1993.
Jeanne Elliott, Denver Center for Independent Li ving November
1992, January 1993.
Ron Padick, Meeting the Challenge, Inc. February 1993.
Laurie Kohn, U.S. Department of Justice ADA Compliance
Department February, 1993.
Jennie Riley Crossroads Safehouse November 1992.
Mary Ann Ganey, DAAP Coordinator November 1992.

STATISTICS:
"Four out of fi ve .. ."
"35% of shelter residents ... "

Su Casa Los Angeles 1988
Sharon Hickman DVI February, 1993.

Additional Information:
Meeting the Challenge, Inc. ADA compliance line 1-719-444-0252
Department ofJustice l -202-434-9308
Domestic Violence Initiative 303-839-5510
Colorado Cross-Disability Coalition 303-839-1775
Lisbeth Mullin is a survivor of domestic violence who will always remember
how it felt to be asked if she had special needs before she entered shelter. She
currently serves as Speaker's Bureau and Outreach Coordinator for Domestic
Violence Initiative and has coordinated the Safe Pets program for the Denver
metro area shelters f or the past five years.

Jeanm arie Ab rahamson

458- 5945

Certifi ed Massage inerapis
HEALING HORIZON5

Neurom uec ular -t herapy
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Furnishing service
p roviders, treatment
centers, hospitals, & therapists, with books.
• Domestic Violence • Chemical addiction
• Sexual abuse • Men's & Women's issues
• Family • Relationships • Program materials
We also provide book displays for
seminars & workshops.
Please call us for free catalog &
discount schedule.

Mentor Books
Denver, Colorado
1-800-795-6198

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ?

PLEASE lWDATE OUR LIST OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE DEATHS FOR 1992

If we are missing any names, write or call the Coalition.

, .....

~~-........__~_.._-__,___ ____

~~-~

~

....,

o donations of materials for

CDVC Clippers Sailing
Down from Rifle, courtesy of Shara Leech, came a veritable mother lode of clippings this quarter. The exciting change is in coverage of domestic violence in
Garfield County's Citizen Telegram. Reporter Nick Isenberg did some digging and
wrote, "The Grand Jury's decision not to charge Robert Blotiaux with attempted
first degree murder for pouring white gas on his wife, Sally Simms, was the final
obstacle that caused Simms to take her life, according to papers found in her home
after her death." Good lead, good story.
Domestic violence coverage has picked up in The Glenwood Post, also, but
we have to scramble to find local coverage of DV in Grand Junction. In fact,
The Daily Sentinel published a "Child Services Resource Guide" with no
mention of domestic violence treatment or shelter services. Yet we know that
at a conservative estimate, in half the families where the mom is getting beaten, the kids are also being hurt by abuse and/or neglect.
To join the CDVC Clippers, call Connie Platt (303) 355-4793

L------------------ - -------- - -- - J
Thank You ... Thank You
... Thank You ... ,. . .

Wish List
library
o bright colored copy paper

o volunteer to make new
Coalition map
o newsletter reporters

o 10-key printing calculator
o you r check in the enclosed

B

envelope

We have a Speakers Bureau,
Do Trainings, and
Furnish Information
Free of Charge
Call (303) 573-9018

RESOURCES

•

We know what time it is around here thanks to Jean and Marg Winsauer
of Arlington Heights, Illinois. Two wall clocks for the office came across
the prairie from Lincolnland to the foot of the Rockies. What a trip !
And our volunteers: Carolyn Horwitz, Karen Cohen, Lee Coleman,
Gerry Horwitz, Dyan Harrison, Marilyn Peterson. Vendors who helped
with the Tax Check-off: Paragon Mailing, Alfons Bonde, the Jewish
Community Center, Curtis 1000, The Box Company.

New CDVC Fact Sheet
Video: Elder Abuse: 5 Case
Studies, Terra Nova Films,
and new newsletter Elder
Abuse Awareness.
Call Elder Abuse Prevention,
(3030 293-2100

NON-PROFIT ORG .
U.S.POSTAGE
PAID
DENVER, CO
PERMIT NO 1307

Colorado Domestic Violence Coalition
P. 0 . Box 18902
Denver, CO 80218

Address Correction Req uested

0000098

HERLAtm SISTER RESOURCES, INC.
~ri2RH INTERSTATE 44 ~RR~!1i2R
OKLAHOMA CITY

...



Spring 1993

Colorado
Domestic Violence Coalition
The Crime Of Silence Colorado's 1992 Domestic Violence Deaths

DOMESTIC
VIOLENCE
FATALITIES
70

DEADADULTS
Men: 22
Women : 27

DEAD CHILDREN
Male: 2
Female: 2
Unbom:2

SUICIDES
Men: 13
Women: 2

AMBIGUOUS
CASES:
RELATIONSHIP
IMPLIED BUT
ACCOUNT TOO
BRIEF TO JUDGE;
not part of homi/femicide total
Men: 2
Women: 3

Recycle - Please pass along
to a friend

Every fifth day of 1992 a
Coloradan was murdered in
a domestic-violence-related
crime. Last year 70 homicides or femicides in
Colorado that I was able to
document were directly
attributable to domestic violence. I suspect that that figure is conservative.
The list of victims (see page
4) gathered from a year-long
scrutiny of Denver's daily
newspapers reveals the carnage. But there is no official
list, because no state or
national law enforcement
agency, health department
or other institution of public
record gathers such statistics. The result is that crimes
associated with domestic
violence continue to be misinterpreted or minimized in
public reports.
Violence arising from
thwarted attachments killed
more men than women in
1992, in spite of the fact that
27 adult women were shot,
stabbed, or bludgeoned to
death.
Fifteen men were killed by
other men in domestic-vialence-related homicides,
including two cases in which
law officers shot alleged
perpetrators. Thirteen men
committed suicide after
attacking or killing their
rivals, their spouses, their
girlfriends or their estranged
wives. Seven men were
killed by their mates or girlfriends. Two boys were

murdered along with their
mothers as a result of
domestic violence.
And no one reported the sex
of the two unborn children
who died when their mothers were murdered.
The reader didn ' t have to
look far for other child vietims of domestic violence,
however. Two femal e children died. One was a
teenager whose boyfriend
was arrested for her murder;
the other was murdered simply because she was in the
house when a vengeful
killer called.
A number of the child witnesses tried to help their
mothers. In Monte Vista,
Nellie Balderas' 3- and 7year old daughters couldn't
be of much help as they
watched their father allegedly stab their mother 7 times
with a knife, but 7-year-old
Jasmine Smith was able to
testify in court that she saw
Larry Adams kill her mother
with a claw hammer. Nineyear-old Christopher
Phillips was able to run for
help as his stepfather, using
two knives, slashed and
stabbed Christopher's mom.
Mrs. Phillips died but her
husband was apprehended.

The Rocky Mountain News
reported a 12-year-old's
wounding by her father on
August 18, 1992, when he
used a shotgun to gain entry
to the house where his wife

by Connie Platt

was staying. The Rocky
reminded readers of other
adolescents who had been
involved in domestic-vialence-related crimes that
year: a 14-year-old girl who
was stabbed in the eye by
her mother's boyfriend
when she tried to break up
their fi ght; a 13-year-old girl
who stabbed and a 13 yearold boy who shot the men
who were assaulting their
mothers.
The social costs of this violence are impossible to compute, as are the psychological costs to survivors, witnesses and families of both
victims and perpetrators.
The money spent on arrest,
trial, imprisonment and
health care totals millions
each year. For example, in
February 1993, a Denver
General Hospital spokeswoman reported at $643 ,237
the cost thus far of treating
attempted suicide Ray
Stuart, accused in July 1992
of murdering his estranged
wife and her 15-year-old
son.
In April the Colorado
Bureau oflnvestigation will
issue state homicide statistics for 1992. These will not
give a picture of the family
violence by which men,
women, and children are
victimized. Until they do,
only careful readers will be
aware that fatal crimes of
domestic violence are far
from exceptional.

CDVC Executive Board
Co-Chairs
PamLozow
SafeHouse for Battered Women, Inc.,
Denver
Cynthia Black
Alternatives to Family Violence,
Commerce City
Treasurer & Women of Color
Committee
Debbie Duran
Denver Victim Services Center
Secretary & Victim/Survivor
Committee
Karol McKinster
Alternatives to Family Violence,
Commerce City
NCADV Representative
Carol Simmons
Alternative Horizons, Durango
Region II
Ruth Ann Russell
SafeHouse for Battered Women, Inc.,
Denver
Region III
Pat Kreuser
Center for the Prevention of Domestic
Violence, Colorado Springs
Region IV
Cherie Paller
The Resource Center, Vail
Betty Sorenson
Delta County Crisis Intervention Team
Rural Issues Committee co-members
Diane Moore
Advocates Against Battering & Abuse
Steamboat Springs
Dee Hickerson
Family Crisis Services, Canon City
Children's Advocacy Committee
Susan Mountjoy
Gateway Battered Women's Shelter,
Aurora
Lesbian Issues Committee
Jill McFadden
Alternatives to Family Violence,
Commerce City
Legislative Committee
Jo A. Roll

CDVC Mission
To eliminate violence in all of its
forms through
■ community awareness & education
■ technical assistance
■ program development
■ coordination
■ advocacy
■ social change
2

The View From Here
If you think you read a lot in the
newspapers about domestic violence
these days, you're right. Once a week,
at least, there is a story about another
domestic-violence-related killing.
That's because, according to our statistics, there IS more than one domestic violence killing per week in
Colorado. This issue of the CDVC
newsletter focuses on the deaths due
to domestic violence that the newspapers believed significant enough to
report to the public. The toll is alarming: 70 in 1992.
These numbers expose the most dramatic tip of the iceberg. Day-to-day
battering that slowly, methodically
drains the life from those touched by
the violence rarely makes the news.
Some murders and suicides resulting
from domestic violence, even when
detected, never make the news. The
effects on other family members and
the community at large are al so
absent from most accounts of murders and daily battering.
In 1991 (the most recent period for
which we have statistics), Colorado
domestic violence programs provided
counseling to more than 8,500
women. Each woman was abused
many times. Each family was touched
by the violence. Each family lived in
a community that experienced a loss
in their sense of safety and security.

Announcements
April 3
Domestic Violence Conference,
Greeley (303) 356-5120
April 17
"Woman as Survivor: Therapy Skills
Training", Lenore Walker, Ed.D. &
Johanna Callers, Ph.D.
Denver (303) 322-3444

Jan Mickish Ph.D.

CDVC and its members are serving
more people each day, and the numbers
keep growing. We ask you to contact
CDVC or the domestic violence program in your area to discuss ways in
which you can help.
ff ff ff ff ff ff ff ff

The Public Utilities Commission
extended for another 30 days (until
April 4, 1993) the FREE PER LINE
BLOCKING OF CALLER ID for all
phones. They reached their decision
after receiving numerous complaints
about Caller ID and Line Blocking.
The community is confused about
these services. In some cases even US
WEST seems to have been confused
about these services. Some customers
have been given wrong information
about the services - including whether
their line is blocked. US WEST has, in
the opinion of the PUC, not provided
adequate remedies to these and other
problems. Therefore, the PUC EXTENDED FREE PER LINE BLOCKING.
After April 4, there will be a one-time
$8.00 fee to block your line.
If you value your privacy, are a battered woman, believe you will ever
help a battered woman, provide services for battered women or others
who seek safety:
BLOCK YOUR LINE
1-800-637 -9393

CDVC
Executive Directo r
Janet Mickish, Ph .D.
Resource Development
Frank Starr
Public Information/ Education
Connie Platt
Office Manager
Pat Hynes
Lola Smith

Newsletter

April 25 - May 1
Nation Crime Victims'
Rights Week

Publisher: M & M Publications
Editor: Connie Platt
Contributor: Lisbeth Mullin

May20-21
"The Next Step: ... Relationship
Violence in Oppressed Populations"
Denver (303) 797-1094

The CDVC Newsletter is published
quarterly © 1993. Send articles to
P.O.Box 18902, Denver, CO 80218
For ad rates call Connie Platt
(303) 573-9018

Citizen Volunteers Mon itor DV Perpetrators
In 18th Judicial District
Any metro Denver citizen who wants
a simultaneous course in civics and
Domestic Violence 10 I can get it free
of charge by enrolling in a unique volunteer program sponsored by the 18th
Judicial District probation department.
The Deputy Probation Officer (DPO)
program was born out of a happy
marriage of administrative interests.
The District's Chief Probation Officer,
Frank Minkner, was aware of the
potential danger to the community
posed by increasing numbers of
domestic violence perpetrators and
veteran probation department volunteer Virginia Vobejda saw the need for
offender services. The program they
and other probation department staff
devised now has 20 citizen volunteers
serving 412 perpetrators at the
Littleton location, which is where I
worked nine months as a volunteer.

girlfriends, ex-girlfriends or, in one case,
"a woman who j ust kept bugging me."
And who were these men? Several
were self-described innocents, railroaded by what they knew from past
unfortunate experiences was a cruel
system that had no business interferi ng
in their personal lives. Several allowed
as how they had done what they had
pled guilty to, but wanted me to understand that their acts were not as violent
as they were described. Several were
already enrolled in treatment and
attending regularly. They seemed to be
struggling to understand how they had
gotten where they were now. Several
were in treatment for alcohol abuse as
well as domestic violence, because
they had problems with both drinking
and violence.

After 18 hours of evening and weekend training, I got my first cases, thick
manila folders each filled with police
and court information, a social history
reported by the perpetrator and a presentencing report prepared by Dr.
Frank Robinson, the department psychologist who evaluates the treatment
needs of those an-ested for domestic
violence. This was the beginning of
my experience Doing Paperwork.

During the course of my tenure, I had
to report to the court that four of my
probationers were not complying with
the court's orders. Two disappeared.
One asked to be reassigned to a new
probation officer because I "harassed"
him by calling hi m at work. This was
the same man whose wife cursed me
for reporting his violation of probation,
telling me that he would be sent to jail
and would'n' t be able to work to support the family. She was in a bind, for
sure, but he had punched her before,
was not in alcohol or domestic
violence treatment as ordered and
during his last assault, he
happened to punch their
son just as a law officer
aITived on the domestic
violence call.

It's the DPOs job to master all the
material about each client and with the
help of the department director, to
devise a plan of supervision. As a
DPO I was given lower-risk cases.
Using a risk/needs assessment form to
determine the freq uency at which they
needed to be seen, I scheduled interviews with my cl ients and met the first
of twelve men who had kicked,
choked, punched, slapped, restrained,
threatened or spanked their partners,

The paperwork was
incredible. I documented
my little heart out. The
firs t principle of the
DPO program is our
responsibility for the
safety of the community, and although
all but one of these men presented
himself as mild-mannered, respectful
and compliant, I knew that any time
somebody pu nches or chokes or pushes
or slaps somebody else, that act is

Volunteers are asked to commit for six
months' service and to be available
approximately four hours a week.
They have their choice of working
with adolescents, the general adult
probationer or domestic violence
perpetrators. I chose the latter.

by Connie Platt

potenti all y lethal. So I took seriously
the directive to write complete and
accurate notes so my supervisor,
Dexter Shipman, would have documentation if an emergency arose.
During the course of my volunteer se rvice, I developed an enormous respect
for the probation officers who do this
work. I observed Dexter, Frank and the
clerical staff dealing conscientiously
and competently with a wide array of
people, some of whom were very
difficult. They understand the challenge
of monitoring and containi ng a population that is in many cases resistant
even to the idea that they have committed a criminal act. This is citizen
participation in government on the
front lines, a professional opportunity.
To learn more, call Susan Cooper,
Community Alternatives, Inc., (303)
794- 3224.

3

Domestic Violence Fatalities

by Connie P latt

Domestic-viole n ce-related crimes: victims by gender, counting suicides
37Men
31 Women

Domestic Violence Deaths 1992

February

Suspect(s), Charged
(ch) or Convicted(c)

Dead

Joe Crespin (s)
William Bronson (ch)
Michelle Atencio (c)
Pranfar Prakongkai

Gilbert Rodriguez
Ramona Macon
Raymond Mascarenas
self

?
Robert Tresch

Sharon Ann Harris
self

Center

Charles Jaramillo

self

Denver
Loveland

James Eric Scott (ch)
Angela Lopez
Carroll Dean Wheeler (c) Dennis Potemski

Colorado Springs

Gabriel Vazquez (s)

Colorado Springs

March

Denver
Denver

Aurora
Aurora
Windsor
April

Grand Junction
Pueblo
Denver
Aurora
Denver
Denver
Thornton
Pueblo
Pueblo
Rifle

May

Denver
Golden
Brighton

June
4

Denver

Circumstances/
Relationship
jealous rival
girlfriend
husband
attack on woman on whom
his attentions were fixed
attack on woman on whom
his attentions were fixed
attempted murder
of former wife
girlfriend

Julio Zamairon
Guadalupe Zamarron
Shelly L. Blackman
Thomas Terry
self
girlfriend-'
Larry D. Adams (c)
Jennifer Jones
mother
Jeffrey K. Alexander (c) Elva Castro
Nohemi Alvarado (10)
Antonio Robles (13)
Stephen Katibah
?
Maxine Dooley (s)
Lairy Dooley
Denise Weber-Sanderson
Mike Sanderson
self
Thomas Rodden (ch)
Theresa Horton
Larry Phillips (ch)
Karen Phillips
Leonard Davis
Angela Young (c)
Yvette Strong
suspect
Joshua P. Muniz (s)
Denise Salazar
"roommate" DV
Frank Lee (s)
Faustino Cucinega
m·gument
with w
self
Christopher Smart
ex-girlfriend
Phylis Mendoza
Panciano Zendejasunborn child
Garces (ch)
self
Jose Miera
girlfriend
Linda Cortez
killed couple for trailer
David Bollinger (ch)
James Vertrees
to impress ex-girlfriend
Rose Vertrees
in presence of boyfriend
self
Ethel Lamorie
estranged husband
self
Bela Boros
wife
Maria Boros
ex-husband died of heart
Tony Gai-cia
attack after trespass argument
husband
Jose Sanchez
Alice Mae Grant (s)

Parachute

July

Fox Creek/Alamosa
Julesburg
Byers

August

Wiggins
Aurora
Edgewater
Fort Collins
Fort Carson
Denver
Brighton
Silver Cliff

October

November

December

Richard Manupella

self
Richard Kimball
Richard Williams (s)
Rhonda Williams
unborn child
Sean Stiles (s)
Ken Ball
Ray Stuart (ch)
Tracy Jo Stuart
Kevin Woodson
Alfredo Martinez (s)
Maria Montez
Nathan Breackenridge (s) F.J. McDermott
Pat Lowe
Virginia Lowe
John Lowe
John V. Miller
Valerie Miller
John V. Miller
Varnardo Larkin (s)
Shawn Carter
Steven Gant
Michael Janoushek (s)
Rose Jenkins
self
Daniel L. Evans
Dennis Finn
Jeriann Evans
James Peters (s)
Virginia Peters
Benny Padilla (ch)
Gloria Martinez
Mark S. Manning (ch)
Shirley Shook/Carr
Paula Jean Moore
?
W.D. Roberts
self
Maurice Glenn
self

Wheat Ridge
Denver
Fort Carson
Monte Vista
New Castle
Denver
Denver

Benjamin Sparrow (s)
Reginald Carter (ch)
Honey Downen (ch)
Juanito Balderas (ch)
Sally Simms
Alfonso Olivera (s)
James Polson

Jefferson County
Colorado Springs

Robert Brantner (s)

Mark Rust
Chaka Eaton
Donald Corbett
Nellie Balderas
self
Louis Contos
self
Joyce Polson
Robert Monheiser
Cheryl Brantner

jealousy over ex-wife
estranged wife
mother's boyfriend
estranged wife
stepson
estranged husband
father-in-law
wife
son
ex-wife
shot by police
insult to wife
police shot on DV call
girlfriend

estranged wife
ex-wife
girlfriend
girlfriend
family argument
police shootout in Ohio
attempted murder
of estranged wife
argument over girlfriend
girl friend
boyfriend
wife
domestic violence
rivalry over victim's wife

Other Family Violence
January
February

Ft. Collins
Denver

John Alexander (ch)
Patrick Ortez

April

Byers

Lawrence W. Edens

June
August
October
November

Dacono
Longmont
Denver
La.Junta
Littleton

December

Thornton

Paul Landwehr
Manuel E . Muela (s)
Gabriel Ned (s)
?
double suicide?
murder/suicide?
34-year-old woman

Woodland Park

15-year-old son

Robert Alexander
fathe
suicide
Tony Ortez
son
suicide
Marty Edens
moth
suicide
stab
Luis Armendariz
nep
Michael Ned C ~~,._. -Carlos
Pat.
.,..
Josi
app
5Pa

~ ~ ~--- ,_
- d
_' er~
---

Order Form for "Many Strong and Beautiful Women" items
Please make checks payable to CDVC. P. 0. Box 18902 Denver, CO 80218.
All proceeds go to Colorado Domestic Violence Coalition.
Product
Adult (100% cotton) t-sh irt

Quantity

Size
M

Cost Each
$18.00
L
$18.00
XL
$18.00
XXL
$1 8.00
Long sleeved (100% cotton) sh irts
L
$26.00
XL
, $26.00
Nite Shirt ( one size fits all)
$26.00
Canvas Tote Bag (14" x 18" x 5")
$18.00
$12.50
Box of cards 10
Ship To:
- - - - - - -- - - - - -- - -- Total for Merchand ise
Name
- - - - - - - - - - -- - - - - - Shipping & Handling
Add res s_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _A_p~t_#_ _ __
Tax 7.3%
Total Amount Enclosed
City _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _S_t_a_te___Z_ip.....__ __

Total

$
$ 2.00

$
$

ADA Compliance In The Shelter Phone Screen
by L isbeth Mullin

Four out of five women with disabilities will be abused. A staggering statistic, yet without it we would not recognize the importance of access for all
women to battered women's shelters.
Domestic Violence Initiative for
Women with Disabilities (DVI) has
begun gathering statistics of the number of women served by Denver metro
area shelters. An average of 35% of
shelter residents have disabilities. The
numbers come in because shelters are
asking a simple, yet vital question during thier phone screen: "Do you have
any special needs?"
The counselor is telling the caller she
recognizes barriers surround the disabled victim every day - and the shelter staff is assessi ng her reasonableaccomodation needs during this time
of crisis. DVI can continue to keep
track of the number of women receiving services and can assist the staff in
providing appropriate services and
referrals, assuring that the resident
will not be revictimized by baITiers to
the system. Shelters are putting transition plans in place to comply with the
Americans with Disabilities Act
(ADA), and one of the questions being
asked is, "Is it legal to ask if she is disabled?" According to Ron Patick of
Meeting the Challenge, Inc., (the
regional experts on ADA compliance,
once a client has been accepted into
shelter during the initial phone-screen,
the shelter can - and should - ask
about her disability status. Some suggested wordings include: "Will you
have any special medical or independent living needs while you stay with
us?" "Do you need any special
accomodations to assist you in your
stay in shelter?" "We serve all members of the community and would like
to know if you need any special accomodations." She will hear that you are
sensitive to her needs, DVI can continue to collect vital statistics and
ensure access to services, and the shelter will remain in compliance with the
ADA laws.

SOURCES
interview
interview
interview
informal
in terview
interv iew
interview

Jean Parker, Colorado Cross-Disability Coalition January 1993.
Jeanne Elliott, Denver Center for Independent Li ving November
1992, January 1993.
Ron Padick, Meeting the Challenge, Inc. February 1993.
Laurie Kohn, U.S. Department of Justice ADA Compliance
Department February, 1993.
Jennie Riley Crossroads Safehouse November 1992.
Mary Ann Ganey, DAAP Coordinator November 1992.

STATISTICS:
"Four out of fi ve .. ."
"35% of shelter residents ... "

Su Casa Los Angeles 1988
Sharon Hickman DVI February, 1993.

Additional Information:
Meeting the Challenge, Inc. ADA compliance line 1-719-444-0252
Department ofJustice l -202-434-9308
Domestic Violence Initiative 303-839-5510
Colorado Cross-Disability Coalition 303-839-1775
Lisbeth Mullin is a survivor of domestic violence who will always remember
how it felt to be asked if she had special needs before she entered shelter. She
currently serves as Speaker's Bureau and Outreach Coordinator for Domestic
Violence Initiative and has coordinated the Safe Pets program for the Denver
metro area shelters f or the past five years.

Jeanm arie Ab rahamson

458- 5945

Certifi ed Massage inerapis
HEALING HORIZON5

Neurom uec ular -t herapy
Swedie h ma s sage
Ch ronic pa in re lief

Furnishing service
p roviders, treatment
centers, hospitals, & therapists, with books.
• Domestic Violence • Chemical addiction
• Sexual abuse • Men's & Women's issues
• Family • Relationships • Program materials
We also provide book displays for
seminars & workshops.
Please call us for free catalog &
discount schedule.

Mentor Books
Denver, Colorado
1-800-795-6198

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ?

PLEASE lWDATE OUR LIST OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE DEATHS FOR 1992

If we are missing any names, write or call the Coalition.

, .....

~~-........__~_.._-__,___ ____

~~-~

~

....,

o donations of materials for

CDVC Clippers Sailing
Down from Rifle, courtesy of Shara Leech, came a veritable mother lode of clippings this quarter. The exciting change is in coverage of domestic violence in
Garfield County's Citizen Telegram. Reporter Nick Isenberg did some digging and
wrote, "The Grand Jury's decision not to charge Robert Blotiaux with attempted
first degree murder for pouring white gas on his wife, Sally Simms, was the final
obstacle that caused Simms to take her life, according to papers found in her home
after her death." Good lead, good story.
Domestic violence coverage has picked up in The Glenwood Post, also, but
we have to scramble to find local coverage of DV in Grand Junction. In fact,
The Daily Sentinel published a "Child Services Resource Guide" with no
mention of domestic violence treatment or shelter services. Yet we know that
at a conservative estimate, in half the families where the mom is getting beaten, the kids are also being hurt by abuse and/or neglect.
To join the CDVC Clippers, call Connie Platt (303) 355-4793

L------------------ - -------- - -- - J
Thank You ... Thank You
... Thank You ... ,. . .

Wish List
library
o bright colored copy paper

o volunteer to make new
Coalition map
o newsletter reporters

o 10-key printing calculator
o you r check in the enclosed

B

envelope

We have a Speakers Bureau,
Do Trainings, and
Furnish Information
Free of Charge
Call (303) 573-9018

RESOURCES

•

We know what time it is around here thanks to Jean and Marg Winsauer
of Arlington Heights, Illinois. Two wall clocks for the office came across
the prairie from Lincolnland to the foot of the Rockies. What a trip !
And our volunteers: Carolyn Horwitz, Karen Cohen, Lee Coleman,
Gerry Horwitz, Dyan Harrison, Marilyn Peterson. Vendors who helped
with the Tax Check-off: Paragon Mailing, Alfons Bonde, the Jewish
Community Center, Curtis 1000, The Box Company.

New CDVC Fact Sheet
Video: Elder Abuse: 5 Case
Studies, Terra Nova Films,
and new newsletter Elder
Abuse Awareness.
Call Elder Abuse Prevention,
(3030 293-2100

NON-PROFIT ORG .
U.S.POSTAGE
PAID
DENVER, CO
PERMIT NO 1307

Colorado Domestic Violence Coalition
P. 0 . Box 18902
Denver, CO 80218

Address Correction Req uested

0000098

HERLAtm SISTER RESOURCES, INC.
~ri2RH INTERSTATE 44 ~RR~!1i2R
OKLAHOMA CITY

...



Spring 1993

Colorado
Domestic Violence Coalition
The Crime Of Silence Colorado's 1992 Domestic Violence Deaths

DOMESTIC
VIOLENCE
FATALITIES
70

DEADADULTS
Men: 22
Women : 27

DEAD CHILDREN
Male: 2
Female: 2
Unbom:2

SUICIDES
Men: 13
Women: 2

AMBIGUOUS
CASES:
RELATIONSHIP
IMPLIED BUT
ACCOUNT TOO
BRIEF TO JUDGE;
not part of homi/femicide total
Men: 2
Women: 3

Recycle - Please pass along
to a friend

Every fifth day of 1992 a
Coloradan was murdered in
a domestic-violence-related
crime. Last year 70 homicides or femicides in
Colorado that I was able to
document were directly
attributable to domestic violence. I suspect that that figure is conservative.
The list of victims (see page
4) gathered from a year-long
scrutiny of Denver's daily
newspapers reveals the carnage. But there is no official
list, because no state or
national law enforcement
agency, health department
or other institution of public
record gathers such statistics. The result is that crimes
associated with domestic
violence continue to be misinterpreted or minimized in
public reports.
Violence arising from
thwarted attachments killed
more men than women in
1992, in spite of the fact that
27 adult women were shot,
stabbed, or bludgeoned to
death.
Fifteen men were killed by
other men in domestic-vialence-related homicides,
including two cases in which
law officers shot alleged
perpetrators. Thirteen men
committed suicide after
attacking or killing their
rivals, their spouses, their
girlfriends or their estranged
wives. Seven men were
killed by their mates or girlfriends. Two boys were

murdered along with their
mothers as a result of
domestic violence.
And no one reported the sex
of the two unborn children
who died when their mothers were murdered.
The reader didn ' t have to
look far for other child vietims of domestic violence,
however. Two femal e children died. One was a
teenager whose boyfriend
was arrested for her murder;
the other was murdered simply because she was in the
house when a vengeful
killer called.
A number of the child witnesses tried to help their
mothers. In Monte Vista,
Nellie Balderas' 3- and 7year old daughters couldn't
be of much help as they
watched their father allegedly stab their mother 7 times
with a knife, but 7-year-old
Jasmine Smith was able to
testify in court that she saw
Larry Adams kill her mother
with a claw hammer. Nineyear-old Christopher
Phillips was able to run for
help as his stepfather, using
two knives, slashed and
stabbed Christopher's mom.
Mrs. Phillips died but her
husband was apprehended.

The Rocky Mountain News
reported a 12-year-old's
wounding by her father on
August 18, 1992, when he
used a shotgun to gain entry
to the house where his wife

by Connie Platt

was staying. The Rocky
reminded readers of other
adolescents who had been
involved in domestic-vialence-related crimes that
year: a 14-year-old girl who
was stabbed in the eye by
her mother's boyfriend
when she tried to break up
their fi ght; a 13-year-old girl
who stabbed and a 13 yearold boy who shot the men
who were assaulting their
mothers.
The social costs of this violence are impossible to compute, as are the psychological costs to survivors, witnesses and families of both
victims and perpetrators.
The money spent on arrest,
trial, imprisonment and
health care totals millions
each year. For example, in
February 1993, a Denver
General Hospital spokeswoman reported at $643 ,237
the cost thus far of treating
attempted suicide Ray
Stuart, accused in July 1992
of murdering his estranged
wife and her 15-year-old
son.
In April the Colorado
Bureau oflnvestigation will
issue state homicide statistics for 1992. These will not
give a picture of the family
violence by which men,
women, and children are
victimized. Until they do,
only careful readers will be
aware that fatal crimes of
domestic violence are far
from exceptional.

CDVC Executive Board
Co-Chairs
PamLozow
SafeHouse for Battered Women, Inc.,
Denver
Cynthia Black
Alternatives to Family Violence,
Commerce City
Treasurer & Women of Color
Committee
Debbie Duran
Denver Victim Services Center
Secretary & Victim/Survivor
Committee
Karol McKinster
Alternatives to Family Violence,
Commerce City
NCADV Representative
Carol Simmons
Alternative Horizons, Durango
Region II
Ruth Ann Russell
SafeHouse for Battered Women, Inc.,
Denver
Region III
Pat Kreuser
Center for the Prevention of Domestic
Violence, Colorado Springs
Region IV
Cherie Paller
The Resource Center, Vail
Betty Sorenson
Delta County Crisis Intervention Team
Rural Issues Committee co-members
Diane Moore
Advocates Against Battering & Abuse
Steamboat Springs
Dee Hickerson
Family Crisis Services, Canon City
Children's Advocacy Committee
Susan Mountjoy
Gateway Battered Women's Shelter,
Aurora
Lesbian Issues Committee
Jill McFadden
Alternatives to Family Violence,
Commerce City
Legislative Committee
Jo A. Roll

CDVC Mission
To eliminate violence in all of its
forms through
■ community awareness & education
■ technical assistance
■ program development
■ coordination
■ advocacy
■ social change
2

The View From Here
If you think you read a lot in the
newspapers about domestic violence
these days, you're right. Once a week,
at least, there is a story about another
domestic-violence-related killing.
That's because, according to our statistics, there IS more than one domestic violence killing per week in
Colorado. This issue of the CDVC
newsletter focuses on the deaths due
to domestic violence that the newspapers believed significant enough to
report to the public. The toll is alarming: 70 in 1992.
These numbers expose the most dramatic tip of the iceberg. Day-to-day
battering that slowly, methodically
drains the life from those touched by
the violence rarely makes the news.
Some murders and suicides resulting
from domestic violence, even when
detected, never make the news. The
effects on other family members and
the community at large are al so
absent from most accounts of murders and daily battering.
In 1991 (the most recent period for
which we have statistics), Colorado
domestic violence programs provided
counseling to more than 8,500
women. Each woman was abused
many times. Each family was touched
by the violence. Each family lived in
a community that experienced a loss
in their sense of safety and security.

Announcements
April 3
Domestic Violence Conference,
Greeley (303) 356-5120
April 17
"Woman as Survivor: Therapy Skills
Training", Lenore Walker, Ed.D. &
Johanna Callers, Ph.D.
Denver (303) 322-3444

Jan Mickish Ph.D.

CDVC and its members are serving
more people each day, and the numbers
keep growing. We ask you to contact
CDVC or the domestic violence program in your area to discuss ways in
which you can help.
ff ff ff ff ff ff ff ff

The Public Utilities Commission
extended for another 30 days (until
April 4, 1993) the FREE PER LINE
BLOCKING OF CALLER ID for all
phones. They reached their decision
after receiving numerous complaints
about Caller ID and Line Blocking.
The community is confused about
these services. In some cases even US
WEST seems to have been confused
about these services. Some customers
have been given wrong information
about the services - including whether
their line is blocked. US WEST has, in
the opinion of the PUC, not provided
adequate remedies to these and other
problems. Therefore, the PUC EXTENDED FREE PER LINE BLOCKING.
After April 4, there will be a one-time
$8.00 fee to block your line.
If you value your privacy, are a battered woman, believe you will ever
help a battered woman, provide services for battered women or others
who seek safety:
BLOCK YOUR LINE
1-800-637 -9393

CDVC
Executive Directo r
Janet Mickish, Ph .D.
Resource Development
Frank Starr
Public Information/ Education
Connie Platt
Office Manager
Pat Hynes
Lola Smith

Newsletter

April 25 - May 1
Nation Crime Victims'
Rights Week

Publisher: M & M Publications
Editor: Connie Platt
Contributor: Lisbeth Mullin

May20-21
"The Next Step: ... Relationship
Violence in Oppressed Populations"
Denver (303) 797-1094

The CDVC Newsletter is published
quarterly © 1993. Send articles to
P.O.Box 18902, Denver, CO 80218
For ad rates call Connie Platt
(303) 573-9018

Citizen Volunteers Mon itor DV Perpetrators
In 18th Judicial District
Any metro Denver citizen who wants
a simultaneous course in civics and
Domestic Violence 10 I can get it free
of charge by enrolling in a unique volunteer program sponsored by the 18th
Judicial District probation department.
The Deputy Probation Officer (DPO)
program was born out of a happy
marriage of administrative interests.
The District's Chief Probation Officer,
Frank Minkner, was aware of the
potential danger to the community
posed by increasing numbers of
domestic violence perpetrators and
veteran probation department volunteer Virginia Vobejda saw the need for
offender services. The program they
and other probation department staff
devised now has 20 citizen volunteers
serving 412 perpetrators at the
Littleton location, which is where I
worked nine months as a volunteer.

girlfriends, ex-girlfriends or, in one case,
"a woman who j ust kept bugging me."
And who were these men? Several
were self-described innocents, railroaded by what they knew from past
unfortunate experiences was a cruel
system that had no business interferi ng
in their personal lives. Several allowed
as how they had done what they had
pled guilty to, but wanted me to understand that their acts were not as violent
as they were described. Several were
already enrolled in treatment and
attending regularly. They seemed to be
struggling to understand how they had
gotten where they were now. Several
were in treatment for alcohol abuse as
well as domestic violence, because
they had problems with both drinking
and violence.

After 18 hours of evening and weekend training, I got my first cases, thick
manila folders each filled with police
and court information, a social history
reported by the perpetrator and a presentencing report prepared by Dr.
Frank Robinson, the department psychologist who evaluates the treatment
needs of those an-ested for domestic
violence. This was the beginning of
my experience Doing Paperwork.

During the course of my tenure, I had
to report to the court that four of my
probationers were not complying with
the court's orders. Two disappeared.
One asked to be reassigned to a new
probation officer because I "harassed"
him by calling hi m at work. This was
the same man whose wife cursed me
for reporting his violation of probation,
telling me that he would be sent to jail
and would'n' t be able to work to support the family. She was in a bind, for
sure, but he had punched her before,
was not in alcohol or domestic
violence treatment as ordered and
during his last assault, he
happened to punch their
son just as a law officer
aITived on the domestic
violence call.

It's the DPOs job to master all the
material about each client and with the
help of the department director, to
devise a plan of supervision. As a
DPO I was given lower-risk cases.
Using a risk/needs assessment form to
determine the freq uency at which they
needed to be seen, I scheduled interviews with my cl ients and met the first
of twelve men who had kicked,
choked, punched, slapped, restrained,
threatened or spanked their partners,

The paperwork was
incredible. I documented
my little heart out. The
firs t principle of the
DPO program is our
responsibility for the
safety of the community, and although
all but one of these men presented
himself as mild-mannered, respectful
and compliant, I knew that any time
somebody pu nches or chokes or pushes
or slaps somebody else, that act is

Volunteers are asked to commit for six
months' service and to be available
approximately four hours a week.
They have their choice of working
with adolescents, the general adult
probationer or domestic violence
perpetrators. I chose the latter.

by Connie Platt

potenti all y lethal. So I took seriously
the directive to write complete and
accurate notes so my supervisor,
Dexter Shipman, would have documentation if an emergency arose.
During the course of my volunteer se rvice, I developed an enormous respect
for the probation officers who do this
work. I observed Dexter, Frank and the
clerical staff dealing conscientiously
and competently with a wide array of
people, some of whom were very
difficult. They understand the challenge
of monitoring and containi ng a population that is in many cases resistant
even to the idea that they have committed a criminal act. This is citizen
participation in government on the
front lines, a professional opportunity.
To learn more, call Susan Cooper,
Community Alternatives, Inc., (303)
794- 3224.

3

Domestic Violence Fatalities

by Connie P latt

Domestic-viole n ce-related crimes: victims by gender, counting suicides
37Men
31 Women

Domestic Violence Deaths 1992

February

Suspect(s), Charged
(ch) or Convicted(c)

Dead

Joe Crespin (s)
William Bronson (ch)
Michelle Atencio (c)
Pranfar Prakongkai

Gilbert Rodriguez
Ramona Macon
Raymond Mascarenas
self

?
Robert Tresch

Sharon Ann Harris
self

Center

Charles Jaramillo

self

Denver
Loveland

James Eric Scott (ch)
Angela Lopez
Carroll Dean Wheeler (c) Dennis Potemski

Colorado Springs

Gabriel Vazquez (s)

Colorado Springs

March

Denver
Denver

Aurora
Aurora
Windsor
April

Grand Junction
Pueblo
Denver
Aurora
Denver
Denver
Thornton
Pueblo
Pueblo
Rifle

May

Denver
Golden
Brighton

June
4

Denver

Circumstances/
Relationship
jealous rival
girlfriend
husband
attack on woman on whom
his attentions were fixed
attack on woman on whom
his attentions were fixed
attempted murder
of former wife
girlfriend

Julio Zamairon
Guadalupe Zamarron
Shelly L. Blackman
Thomas Terry
self
girlfriend-'
Larry D. Adams (c)
Jennifer Jones
mother
Jeffrey K. Alexander (c) Elva Castro
Nohemi Alvarado (10)
Antonio Robles (13)
Stephen Katibah
?
Maxine Dooley (s)
Lairy Dooley
Denise Weber-Sanderson
Mike Sanderson
self
Thomas Rodden (ch)
Theresa Horton
Larry Phillips (ch)
Karen Phillips
Leonard Davis
Angela Young (c)
Yvette Strong
suspect
Joshua P. Muniz (s)
Denise Salazar
"roommate" DV
Frank Lee (s)
Faustino Cucinega
m·gument
with w
self
Christopher Smart
ex-girlfriend
Phylis Mendoza
Panciano Zendejasunborn child
Garces (ch)
self
Jose Miera
girlfriend
Linda Cortez
killed couple for trailer
David Bollinger (ch)
James Vertrees
to impress ex-girlfriend
Rose Vertrees
in presence of boyfriend
self
Ethel Lamorie
estranged husband
self
Bela Boros
wife
Maria Boros
ex-husband died of heart
Tony Gai-cia
attack after trespass argument
husband
Jose Sanchez
Alice Mae Grant (s)

Parachute

July

Fox Creek/Alamosa
Julesburg
Byers

August

Wiggins
Aurora
Edgewater
Fort Collins
Fort Carson
Denver
Brighton
Silver Cliff

October

November

December

Richard Manupella

self
Richard Kimball
Richard Williams (s)
Rhonda Williams
unborn child
Sean Stiles (s)
Ken Ball
Ray Stuart (ch)
Tracy Jo Stuart
Kevin Woodson
Alfredo Martinez (s)
Maria Montez
Nathan Breackenridge (s) F.J. McDermott
Pat Lowe
Virginia Lowe
John Lowe
John V. Miller
Valerie Miller
John V. Miller
Varnardo Larkin (s)
Shawn Carter
Steven Gant
Michael Janoushek (s)
Rose Jenkins
self
Daniel L. Evans
Dennis Finn
Jeriann Evans
James Peters (s)
Virginia Peters
Benny Padilla (ch)
Gloria Martinez
Mark S. Manning (ch)
Shirley Shook/Carr
Paula Jean Moore
?
W.D. Roberts
self
Maurice Glenn
self

Wheat Ridge
Denver
Fort Carson
Monte Vista
New Castle
Denver
Denver

Benjamin Sparrow (s)
Reginald Carter (ch)
Honey Downen (ch)
Juanito Balderas (ch)
Sally Simms
Alfonso Olivera (s)
James Polson

Jefferson County
Colorado Springs

Robert Brantner (s)

Mark Rust
Chaka Eaton
Donald Corbett
Nellie Balderas
self
Louis Contos
self
Joyce Polson
Robert Monheiser
Cheryl Brantner

jealousy over ex-wife
estranged wife
mother's boyfriend
estranged wife
stepson
estranged husband
father-in-law
wife
son
ex-wife
shot by police
insult to wife
police shot on DV call
girlfriend

estranged wife
ex-wife
girlfriend
girlfriend
family argument
police shootout in Ohio
attempted murder
of estranged wife
argument over girlfriend
girl friend
boyfriend
wife
domestic violence
rivalry over victim's wife

Other Family Violence
January
February

Ft. Collins
Denver

John Alexander (ch)
Patrick Ortez

April

Byers

Lawrence W. Edens

June
August
October
November

Dacono
Longmont
Denver
La.Junta
Littleton

December

Thornton

Paul Landwehr
Manuel E . Muela (s)
Gabriel Ned (s)
?
double suicide?
murder/suicide?
34-year-old woman

Woodland Park

15-year-old son

Robert Alexander
fathe
suicide
Tony Ortez
son
suicide
Marty Edens
moth
suicide
stab
Luis Armendariz
nep
Michael Ned C ~~,._. -Carlos
Pat.
.,..
Josi
app
5Pa

~ ~ ~--- ,_
- d
_' er~
---

Order Form for "Many Strong and Beautiful Women" items
Please make checks payable to CDVC. P. 0. Box 18902 Denver, CO 80218.
All proceeds go to Colorado Domestic Violence Coalition.
Product
Adult (100% cotton) t-sh irt

Quantity

Size
M

Cost Each
$18.00
L
$18.00
XL
$18.00
XXL
$1 8.00
Long sleeved (100% cotton) sh irts
L
$26.00
XL
, $26.00
Nite Shirt ( one size fits all)
$26.00
Canvas Tote Bag (14" x 18" x 5")
$18.00
$12.50
Box of cards 10
Ship To:
- - - - - - -- - - - - -- - -- Total for Merchand ise
Name
- - - - - - - - - - -- - - - - - Shipping & Handling
Add res s_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _A_p~t_#_ _ __
Tax 7.3%
Total Amount Enclosed
City _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _S_t_a_te___Z_ip.....__ __

Total

$
$ 2.00

$
$

ADA Compliance In The Shelter Phone Screen
by L isbeth Mullin

Four out of five women with disabilities will be abused. A staggering statistic, yet without it we would not recognize the importance of access for all
women to battered women's shelters.
Domestic Violence Initiative for
Women with Disabilities (DVI) has
begun gathering statistics of the number of women served by Denver metro
area shelters. An average of 35% of
shelter residents have disabilities. The
numbers come in because shelters are
asking a simple, yet vital question during thier phone screen: "Do you have
any special needs?"
The counselor is telling the caller she
recognizes barriers surround the disabled victim every day - and the shelter staff is assessi ng her reasonableaccomodation needs during this time
of crisis. DVI can continue to keep
track of the number of women receiving services and can assist the staff in
providing appropriate services and
referrals, assuring that the resident
will not be revictimized by baITiers to
the system. Shelters are putting transition plans in place to comply with the
Americans with Disabilities Act
(ADA), and one of the questions being
asked is, "Is it legal to ask if she is disabled?" According to Ron Patick of
Meeting the Challenge, Inc., (the
regional experts on ADA compliance,
once a client has been accepted into
shelter during the initial phone-screen,
the shelter can - and should - ask
about her disability status. Some suggested wordings include: "Will you
have any special medical or independent living needs while you stay with
us?" "Do you need any special
accomodations to assist you in your
stay in shelter?" "We serve all members of the community and would like
to know if you need any special accomodations." She will hear that you are
sensitive to her needs, DVI can continue to collect vital statistics and
ensure access to services, and the shelter will remain in compliance with the
ADA laws.

SOURCES
interview
interview
interview
informal
in terview
interv iew
interview

Jean Parker, Colorado Cross-Disability Coalition January 1993.
Jeanne Elliott, Denver Center for Independent Li ving November
1992, January 1993.
Ron Padick, Meeting the Challenge, Inc. February 1993.
Laurie Kohn, U.S. Department of Justice ADA Compliance
Department February, 1993.
Jennie Riley Crossroads Safehouse November 1992.
Mary Ann Ganey, DAAP Coordinator November 1992.

STATISTICS:
"Four out of fi ve .. ."
"35% of shelter residents ... "

Su Casa Los Angeles 1988
Sharon Hickman DVI February, 1993.

Additional Information:
Meeting the Challenge, Inc. ADA compliance line 1-719-444-0252
Department ofJustice l -202-434-9308
Domestic Violence Initiative 303-839-5510
Colorado Cross-Disability Coalition 303-839-1775
Lisbeth Mullin is a survivor of domestic violence who will always remember
how it felt to be asked if she had special needs before she entered shelter. She
currently serves as Speaker's Bureau and Outreach Coordinator for Domestic
Violence Initiative and has coordinated the Safe Pets program for the Denver
metro area shelters f or the past five years.

Jeanm arie Ab rahamson

458- 5945

Certifi ed Massage inerapis
HEALING HORIZON5

Neurom uec ular -t herapy
Swedie h ma s sage
Ch ronic pa in re lief

Furnishing service
p roviders, treatment
centers, hospitals, & therapists, with books.
• Domestic Violence • Chemical addiction
• Sexual abuse • Men's & Women's issues
• Family • Relationships • Program materials
We also provide book displays for
seminars & workshops.
Please call us for free catalog &
discount schedule.

Mentor Books
Denver, Colorado
1-800-795-6198

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ?

PLEASE lWDATE OUR LIST OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE DEATHS FOR 1992

If we are missing any names, write or call the Coalition.

, .....

~~-........__~_.._-__,___ ____

~~-~

~

....,

o donations of materials for

CDVC Clippers Sailing
Down from Rifle, courtesy of Shara Leech, came a veritable mother lode of clippings this quarter. The exciting change is in coverage of domestic violence in
Garfield County's Citizen Telegram. Reporter Nick Isenberg did some digging and
wrote, "The Grand Jury's decision not to charge Robert Blotiaux with attempted
first degree murder for pouring white gas on his wife, Sally Simms, was the final
obstacle that caused Simms to take her life, according to papers found in her home
after her death." Good lead, good story.
Domestic violence coverage has picked up in The Glenwood Post, also, but
we have to scramble to find local coverage of DV in Grand Junction. In fact,
The Daily Sentinel published a "Child Services Resource Guide" with no
mention of domestic violence treatment or shelter services. Yet we know that
at a conservative estimate, in half the families where the mom is getting beaten, the kids are also being hurt by abuse and/or neglect.
To join the CDVC Clippers, call Connie Platt (303) 355-4793

L------------------ - -------- - -- - J
Thank You ... Thank You
... Thank You ... ,. . .

Wish List
library
o bright colored copy paper

o volunteer to make new
Coalition map
o newsletter reporters

o 10-key printing calculator
o you r check in the enclosed

B

envelope

We have a Speakers Bureau,
Do Trainings, and
Furnish Information
Free of Charge
Call (303) 573-9018

RESOURCES

•

We know what time it is around here thanks to Jean and Marg Winsauer
of Arlington Heights, Illinois. Two wall clocks for the office came across
the prairie from Lincolnland to the foot of the Rockies. What a trip !
And our volunteers: Carolyn Horwitz, Karen Cohen, Lee Coleman,
Gerry Horwitz, Dyan Harrison, Marilyn Peterson. Vendors who helped
with the Tax Check-off: Paragon Mailing, Alfons Bonde, the Jewish
Community Center, Curtis 1000, The Box Company.

New CDVC Fact Sheet
Video: Elder Abuse: 5 Case
Studies, Terra Nova Films,
and new newsletter Elder
Abuse Awareness.
Call Elder Abuse Prevention,
(3030 293-2100

NON-PROFIT ORG .
U.S.POSTAGE
PAID
DENVER, CO
PERMIT NO 1307

Colorado Domestic Violence Coalition
P. 0 . Box 18902
Denver, CO 80218

Address Correction Req uested

0000098

HERLAtm SISTER RESOURCES, INC.
~ri2RH INTERSTATE 44 ~RR~!1i2R
OKLAHOMA CITY

...