Colorado
Anti-Violence Program (CAVP) expresses sadness at the tragedy as well
as concern for the safety, support and healing of the surviving family
and friends. "We are deeply saddened at the loss of lives and we
extend our condolences to the families and friends of the victims, as
well as the entire community of Montrose, Colorado," stated Sandhya Luther, Director of Advocacy. "We
must remember there are four children who have been affected by this
violence, the oldest of whom is just 6 years old. Homophobia must not
add to the challenges that the family faces now. It is important that
Patricia and her family feel supported and safe in their school and
community," continued Luther.
Reports show that Randy Briggs had a history of domestic violence
including a 2007 arrest on misdemeanor counts of child abuse, domestic
violence, obstruction of phone service and property mischief. Patricia
and Charity, who were recently engaged according to their Facebook
profiles, were planning a trip with Patricia's four children to
Missouri, where Charity's family lived. According to family sources, the
two women were known to be a couple, and started their relationship
after Charity helped Patricia leave her abusive marriage. According to
news reports, about a month prior to the shooting, Patricia reported
alarming threats Randy Briggs made towards the two women to the police.
An act of deadly violence in a small community, such as Montrose, can greatly increase the sense of fear, vulnerability, and isolation felt by the LGBTQ community and their allies. "Unfortunately,
it often takes a tragedy for communities to unite and respond to
violence. Healing for the surviving family and friends can be very
powerful when community members do come together with a common goal of
ensuring safety, respect and inclusiveness for everyone, creating
healthier and stronger communities in the long term," said Crystal Middlestadt, Director of Training and Education.
Aimee Quadri-Chavez, program coordinator at Tri County Resources (TCR), the domestic violence advocacy program serving Montrose, Delta, and Ouray Counties stated, "We
are saddened that this tragic event has taken place in our community.
TCR is here for anyone affected by domestic violence, regardless of
their situation. We have staff on call 24 hours a day, and we have
inclusive services for LGBTQ survivors."
Many
survivors of domestic violence struggle with shame and extreme
isolation, fearing that they will not be believed or taken seriously if
they seek help or reach out to friends and family. This fear is only
compounded for LGBTQ survivors. "The truth is, domestic violence is a community issue and we must reach out and let survivors know we are here to support them," stated Sandhya Luther.
Not only do LGBTQ survivors face violence from abusive partners or
ex-partners, they also experience additional barriers to safety and
support within the broader climate of anti-LGBTQ discrimination and
bias.
For the past two years, CAVP has documented a consistent and disturbing trend in abuse by ex-spouses/partners,
where one or both members of a same gender female couple is threatened,
stalked or attacked by a male identified ex-spouse/partner. In 2010, over 19 percent of domestic violence reports received by CAVP
fit this profile. This unique type of domestic violence only increases
the barriers survivors face when trying to flee an abusive ex-partner. "Unfortunately,
often times when same gender female couple seeks support from domestic
violence programs, only the woman with past intimate involvement with
the male abuser is granted access to shelter or other vital and
potentially life-saving resources. There is a lack of understanding that
both members of a female same gender couple can experience threats or
violence from a former partner," Crystal Middlestadt said. "The result is that the couple is left to fend for themselves, and face serious threats to their lives," Middlestadt continued.
If
you are concerned about your relationship or the relationship of
someone you know, reach out and talk to a trained domestic violence*
advocate.
CAVP staff members will be in Montrose on Wednesday, March 7th through Thursday, March 8th,
meeting with the District Attorney's office, Montrose Police Department
Victims Advocates, and Tri County Resources. If you would like to set
up a meeting or connect with staff, contact Greta Leach at 308-530-2471 (cell) or greta@coavp.org.
