Rape Assistance & Awareness Program : Resources : RAAP Partners

RAAP is a founding member of the Denver Sexual Assault Interagency Council. SAIC is responsible for the creation and implementation of the Denver Sexual Assault Response Protocol. Agencies that have adopted the Protocol as their standard of response include: Denver Police Department, Denver Health Medical Center, Denver District Attorney, Denver Adult Probation, Denver Juvenile Probation and Denver County Court Probation. The following is a brief description of the agencies that participate in the Sexual Assault Interagency Council.

Denver Police Department
The Denver Police Department is the primary agency responsible for law enforcement related activities in the City and County of Denver. The mission of the Denver Police Department is to apply its knowledge, skills, and resources to foster an environment where all people live safely and without fear. The Denver Police Department has adopted the Denver Sexual Assault Response Protocol as its standard for addressing sexual assault complaints. Beginning with 911 Communications and continuing through the Patrol and Investigations Divisions, DPD is committed to a victim-centered approach to each case. The Victim Assistance Unit is available to provide crisis intervention services 24-hours a day, every day, to victims of crime. Victim Assistance Team Members routinely respond to sexual assaults in hospital emergency departments providing crisis intervention, support, and information and referral. Once the initial investigation is completed by the responding Patrol Officer, the case is investigated by a detective in the Sex Crimes Unit, a specialist experienced in the complexities of sexual assault investigation.
Denver Health Medical Center
Denver Health is a model for an integrated, efficient and high quality healthcare system for the nation. Our diverse mission is to: provide access to quality preventive, acute, and chronic health care for all the citizens of Denver regardless of their ability to pay, provide high-quality emergency medical and trauma services to the citizens of Denver and the rocky Mountain Region; Fulfill public health functions as dictated by the Denver Charter and the needs of the citizens of Denver; provide health education for patients and participate in the health education of the next generation of health care professionals; and engage in research which enhances its ability to meet the health care needs of patients of the Denver Health system. DHMC handles the largest volume of sexual assault medical forensic examinations in the Denver metropolitan area; an average of 400 exams each year. Sensitive medical treatment, crisis intervention counseling, referral to community resources and forensic evidence collection shall be provided in the Emergency Department (ED) at Denver Health Medical Center (DHMC). Every effort will be made, consistent with applicable state and federal law, to give priority to sexual assault victims over all routine ED patients.
Denver District Attorney
To professionally and competently prosecute crimes and investigate potential crimes on behalf of the people of the state of Colorado and in so doing, do justice, advocate victims' rights and advise and consult in the deterrence and prevention of crime. To ensure the open, even handed and humane administration of justice. The state of Colorado brings sexual assault charges against suspected sex offenders. Felony charges are tried in District Court, misdemeanor charges in County Court. The involvement of the District Attorney's Office begins with the Intake Deputy. Charges identified by the Intake Deputy are filed and assigned to deputy district attorneys for prosecution. When the deputy attorney receives the case, a team response ensues. The prosecution team consists of the deputy attorney, victim advocate, investigator, and secretary.
Denver Adult and Denver Juvenile Probation
Colorado Probation is committed to a system of justice that promotes public safety and identifies and repairs harm to victims and communities. We guide and shape pro-social behavior through the application of sanctions and services. The goals of probation are accomplished in partnership with the community in an environment that respects the dignity and safety of all staff, victims and offenders. Colorado Judicial Branch Standards for Probation states: "Probation in Colorado acknowledges that offenders convicted of offenses involving unlawful sexual behavior pose a unique risk to the community." Sex Offenders are assessed, assigned a supervision level and are supervised. Adult sex offenders are supervised according to the Colorado Division of Criminal Justice Sex Offender Management Board (SOMB) Standards and Guidelines. Juvenile sex offenders are supervised according to the Sate Court Administrator's Office Probation Guidelines for Juveniles Who Have Sexually Offended and Denver Juvenile Probation Department's policies and procedures. Denver District Court Probation services include a victim assistance component with specific protocols for notification and assistance for victims of sexual assault and domestic violence. The mission of Probation Victim Services is to provide victim rights notification, aid in coordinating services to victims in the community, and collaborate with probation officers to support the victim throughout the probation process.
Asian Pacific Development Center
APDC is a non-profit organization serving Colorado with cultural expertise and linguistic proficiency. APDC provides services in the following areas: mental health, adult assessment, perpetrators, alcohol education, youth at risk and youth assessment, employment/training and community education, and education programs for the community at large.
Colorado Anti-Violence Program
AVP is dedicated to ending violence against gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender (GLBT) people and providing the highest quality services to victims. The most common types of crimes they work against are hate crimes and partner abuse. They also respond to cases that involve random violence, sexual assault, HIV-motivated violence, homophobia, and discrimination.
Colorado Coalition Against Sexual Assault
CCASA is a statewide coalition of individuals and organizations working together toward the elimination of sexual violence. As the collective voice of sexual assault victims, survivors, and those who support them, CCASA's mission is to ensure that those impacted by sexual violence are treated with dignity and respect and have full access to quality services and resources. CCASA achieves its mission through an emphasis on education, prevention, changing public policy, and advocating for adequate funding for sexual assault services.
Colorado Organization for Victim Assistance
The Colorado Organization for Victim Assistance (COVA) is a statewide membership organization committed to addressing the needs of all victims of crime by providing support and education for the individuals, systems, agencies, and communities that serve them in such a way as to honor and preserve diverse backgrounds.
Denver Center for Crime Victims
The purpose of the Denver Victims Service Center (DVSC) is to assist victims and provide crime prevention education. A victim is defined as an individual who has been directly or indirectly injured by another's criminal act resulting in physical, psychological, social, or economic harm. Included in this definition are people victimized as a result of religion, national origin, race, sex, age, sexual orientation, and disabilities. DVSC was created as a national model of victims' assistance. All DVSC services are offered free of charge.
Denver Department of Human Services (DDHS) Adult Protection
The Adult Protection Section can be involved with adult survivors of sexual assault living in assisted living facilities, nursing homes, or in their own homes. DDHS advises hospitals and facilities that are hesitant to report a crime of sexual assault that they have a duty to report the crime to the Denver Police Department. When an adult considered to be "at risk" because of his/her physical or emotional limitations, is a victim of sexual assault, Adult Protective Services can act as a support and referral source.
Denver Indian Health & Family Services
DIHFS works with Native American individuals with physical and/or mental health issues. DIHFS provides substance abuse programs for adolescents, health education, and financial assistance. Mental health programs and behavioral health programs are also available.
Domestic Violence Initiative for Women with Disabilities
DVI provides court accompaniment, support, and advocacy to women with disabilities who are victims of domestic violence or caregiver abuse. TTY 720.913.9921; 720.913.9260.
DOVE
DOVE provides advocacy services for abused deaf and hard of hearing women and children. TTY 303.831.7932, Hotline 303.831.7874
Victim Services Network
Changes to the Victims of Crime Act in 1996 gave the Office for Victims of Crime (OVC) of the U.S. Department of Justice the authority to fund demonstration projects as part of the national scope training and technical assistance effort to provide training that improves services for crime victims. The 1996 OVC program plan announced Victim Services 2000 (VS2000), a strategy to support communities in implementing comprehensive, collaborative services for all crime victims in a victim-centered environment.

The difference between community based and law enforcement based victim services is referenced in the Denver Sexual Assault Response Protocol. VAT member refers to the Denver Police Department victim assistant. The Protocol reads:

"The VAT member and the community based victim advocate must collaborate to articulate the role and responsibilities of each program, avoid duplication, coordinate efforts where possible, and ensure that together they are addressing the full range of victim safety, recovery, and assistance needs. Confidentiality is a chief distinction between the support offered by a community-based advocate and the VAT member. The VAT member is there on behalf of the victim, and does not seek out incident information. However, the VAT member is an agent of the police department and is obligated to provide the police with information provided by the victim that may be needed during the course of investigation or prosecution. The VAT member clearly conveys this distinction to the survivor prior to explaining his/her victim rights."

	Resources RAAP Partners RAAP is a founding member of the Denver Sexual Assault Interagency Council. SAIC is responsible for the creation and implementation of the Denver Sexual Assault Response Protocol. Agencies that have adopted the Protocol as their standard of response include: Denver Police Department, Denver Health Medical Center, Denver District Attorney, Denver Adult Probation, Denver Juvenile Probation and Denver County Court Probation. The following is a brief description of the agencies that participate in the Sexual Assault Interagency Council. Denver Police Department The Denver Police Department is the primary agency responsible for law enforcement related activities in the City and County of Denver. The mission of the Denver Police Department is to apply its knowledge, skills, and resources to foster an environment where all people live safely and without fear. The Denver Police Department has adopted the Denver Sexual Assault Response Protocol as its standard for addressing sexual assault complaints. Beginning with 911 Communications and continuing through the Patrol and Investigations Divisions, DPD is committed to a victim-centered approach to each case. The Victim Assistance Unit is available to provide crisis intervention services 24-hours a day, every day, to victims of crime. Victim Assistance Team Members routinely respond to sexual assaults in hospital emergency departments providing crisis intervention, support, and information and referral. Once the initial investigation is completed by the responding Patrol Officer, the case is investigated by a detective in the Sex Crimes Unit, a specialist experienced in the complexities of sexual assault investigation. Denver Health Medical Center Denver Health is a model for an integrated, efficient and high quality healthcare system for the nation. Our diverse mission is to: provide access to quality preventive, acute, and chronic health care for all the citizens of Denver regardless of their ability to pay, provide high-quality emergency medical and trauma services to the citizens of Denver and the rocky Mountain Region; Fulfill public health functions as dictated by the Denver Charter and the needs of the citizens of Denver; provide health education for patients and participate in the health education of the next generation of health care professionals; and engage in research which enhances its ability to meet the health care needs of patients of the Denver Health system. DHMC handles the largest volume of sexual assault medical forensic examinations in the Denver metropolitan area; an average of 400 exams each year. Sensitive medical treatment, crisis intervention counseling, referral to community resources and forensic evidence collection shall be provided in the Emergency Department (ED) at Denver Health Medical Center (DHMC). Every effort will be made, consistent with applicable state and federal law, to give priority to sexual assault victims over all routine ED patients. Denver District Attorney To professionally and competently prosecute crimes and investigate potential crimes on behalf of the people of the state of Colorado and in so doing, do justice, advocate victims' rights and advise and consult in the deterrence and prevention of crime. To ensure the open, even handed and humane administration of justice. The state of Colorado brings sexual assault charges against suspected sex offenders. Felony charges are tried in District Court, misdemeanor charges in County Court. The involvement of the District Attorney's Office begins with the Intake Deputy. Charges identified by the Intake Deputy are filed and assigned to deputy district attorneys for prosecution. When the deputy attorney receives the case, a team response ensues. The prosecution team consists of the deputy attorney, victim advocate, investigator, and secretary. Denver Adult and Denver Juvenile Probation Colorado Probation is committed to a system of justice that promotes public safety and identifies and repairs harm to victims and communities. We guide and shape pro-social behavior through the application of sanctions and services. The goals of probation are accomplished in partnership with the community in an environment that respects the dignity and safety of all staff, victims and offenders. Colorado Judicial Branch Standards for Probation states: "Probation in Colorado acknowledges that offenders convicted of offenses involving unlawful sexual behavior pose a unique risk to the community." Sex Offenders are assessed, assigned a supervision level and are supervised. Adult sex offenders are supervised according to the Colorado Division of Criminal Justice Sex Offender Management Board (SOMB) Standards and Guidelines. Juvenile sex offenders are supervised according to the Sate Court Administrator's Office Probation Guidelines for Juveniles Who Have Sexually Offended and Denver Juvenile Probation Department's policies and procedures. Denver District Court Probation services include a victim assistance component with specific protocols for notification and assistance for victims of sexual assault and domestic violence. The mission of Probation Victim Services is to provide victim rights notification, aid in coordinating services to victims in the community, and collaborate with probation officers to support the victim throughout the probation process. Asian Pacific Development Center APDC is a non-profit organization serving Colorado with cultural expertise and linguistic proficiency. APDC provides services in the following areas: mental health, adult assessment, perpetrators, alcohol education, youth at risk and youth assessment, employment/training and community education, and education programs for the community at large. Colorado Anti-Violence Program AVP is dedicated to ending violence against gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender (GLBT) people and providing the highest quality services to victims. The most common types of crimes they work against are hate crimes and partner abuse. They also respond to cases that involve random violence, sexual assault, HIV-motivated violence, homophobia, and discrimination. Colorado Coalition Against Sexual Assault CCASA is a statewide coalition of individuals and organizations working together toward the elimination of sexual violence. As the collective voice of sexual assault victims, survivors, and those who support them, CCASA's mission is to ensure that those impacted by sexual violence are treated with dignity and respect and have full access to quality services and resources. CCASA achieves its mission through an emphasis on education, prevention, changing public policy, and advocating for adequate funding for sexual assault services. Colorado Organization for Victim Assistance The Colorado Organization for Victim Assistance (COVA) is a statewide membership organization committed to addressing the needs of all victims of crime by providing support and education for the individuals, systems, agencies, and communities that serve them in such a way as to honor and preserve diverse backgrounds. Denver Center for Crime Victims The purpose of the Denver Victims Service Center (DVSC) is to assist victims and provide crime prevention education. A victim is defined as an individual who has been directly or indirectly injured by another's criminal act resulting in physical, psychological, social, or economic harm. Included in this definition are people victimized as a result of religion, national origin, race, sex, age, sexual orientation, and disabilities. DVSC was created as a national model of victims' assistance. All DVSC services are offered free of charge. Denver Department of Human Services (DDHS) Adult Protection The Adult Protection Section can be involved with adult survivors of sexual assault living in assisted living facilities, nursing homes, or in their own homes. DDHS advises hospitals and facilities that are hesitant to report a crime of sexual assault that they have a duty to report the crime to the Denver Police Department. When an adult considered to be "at risk" because of his/her physical or emotional limitations, is a victim of sexual assault, Adult Protective Services can act as a support and referral source. Denver Indian Health & Family Services DIHFS works with Native American individuals with physical and/or mental health issues. DIHFS provides substance abuse programs for adolescents, health education, and financial assistance. Mental health programs and behavioral health programs are also available. Domestic Violence Initiative for Women with Disabilities DVI provides court accompaniment, support, and advocacy to women with disabilities who are victims of domestic violence or caregiver abuse. TTY 720.913.9921; 720.913.9260. DOVE DOVE provides advocacy services for abused deaf and hard of hearing women and children. TTY 303.831.7932, Hotline 303.831.7874 Victim Services Network Changes to the Victims of Crime Act in 1996 gave the Office for Victims of Crime (OVC) of the U.S. Department of Justice the authority to fund demonstration projects as part of the national scope training and technical assistance effort to provide training that improves services for crime victims. The 1996 OVC program plan announced Victim Services 2000 (VS2000), a strategy to support communities in implementing comprehensive, collaborative services for all crime victims in a victim-centered environment. The difference between community based and law enforcement based victim services is referenced in the Denver Sexual Assault Response Protocol. VAT member refers to the Denver Police Department victim assistant. The Protocol reads: "The VAT member and the community based victim advocate must collaborate to articulate the role and responsibilities of each program, avoid duplication, coordinate efforts where possible, and ensure that together they are addressing the full range of victim safety, recovery, and assistance needs. Confidentiality is a chief distinction between the support offered by a community-based advocate and the VAT member. The VAT member is there on behalf of the victim, and does not seek out incident information. However, the VAT member is an agent of the police department and is obligated to provide the police with information provided by the victim that may be needed during the course of investigation or prosecution. The VAT member clearly conveys this distinction to the survivor prior to explaining his/her victim rights."