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FOX21 News and Loving Living Local have once again teamed up with the Colorado Springs Independent for this year’s Give! Campaign. The campaign highlights local nonprofits that need your help to succeed in their missions.

TESSA supports domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, and human trafficking victims in the Pikes Peak region. Services include our Safehouse program, 24/7 Safe Line, confidential advocacy, counseling, legal and housing aid, youth and children’s programming, as well as community outreach and educational resources.

During the 2020 quarantine, TESSA saw 500-600 more monthly Safeline calls than previous years, a nearly 50% increase in demand for their services.

COLORADO SPRINGS — As families gather and meet up for the holidays, domestic violence advocates are asking people to take the time to increase their awareness of an issue impacting a shocking number of households.

Data shows that every nine seconds in the U.S. a woman is beaten or assaulted. Unfortunately, the holidays can be an even more dangerous time for those at risk.

Local agencies in Colorado Springs and in Pueblo say they usually see more cases of domestic violence around the holiday season.

“Spending time with family, financial stressors, alcohol consumption… Those may be just… Those added stressors that are added to the holidays,” said Rica Molet with TESSA, a resource agency for domestic violence victims in Colorado Springs.

On Oct. 26, 11 News partnered with TESSA and the City of Colorado Springs to shine a light on domestic violence in our community. October marks Domestic Violence Awareness Month, an issue that is highlighted this month but everyone should be aware of year round.

Day of Action | Wear Purple Day | Domestic Violence Awareness Month| Every1 Knows Some1

Rica Molet | Community Engagement Manager

On today’s Elevating Pikes Peak Women, we’re sitting down to discuss Human Trafficking…

Today, we’re discussing human trafficking in Colorado Springs, and how you can spot it, get help and change the conversation.

This podcast is focused on the topic of human trafficking in our city, and has guests including a CSPD Officer, Metro Vice Narcotics and Intelligence Division, Jordan Rhodes from TESSA, and Julee Bellar from the Human Trafficking Task Force of Southern Colorado.

Subscribe for more episodes, and reach out to us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/PikesPeakWomen or Email Us and let us know what you thought of today’s episode. We’re on Apple Podcast, Spotify, and many other platforms.

We’ve got another great episode coming to you soon! Make sure to subscribe!

As the pandemic isolated us in our homes, many feared intimate partner violence would increase.

Those fears were not unfounded. In Colorado Springs, beginning in April 2020, TESSA, a nonprofit that supports victims of domestic violence, sexual assault and stalking, saw increasing numbers of people who needed help. Those numbers have continued to climb, with no drop-off. Before the pandemic, the organization received about 800 calls per month on its safe line. Nowadays, that number is 1,200. And in normal years, the nonprofit touched about 15,000 people. This year, in 2020-2021, that number is 23,000.

“The most important thing to keep in mind for if something like that does trigger you, there always resources to help you to be able to talk through that,” TESSA CEO Anne Markley said.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about 1 in 4 women and nearly 1 in 10 men have experienced some form of domestic violence. About 1 in 5 women and about 1 in 7 men report having experienced severe physical violence from an intimate partner.

The CDC considers intimate partner violence (IVP) as a significant public health issue.

Duane France continues his conversation with Eli Varney, a licensed professional counselor and explores the lessons we can learn from failing and specifically the 4 lessons Duane learned from failing the U.S. Army Jump Master Course in the Insight segment. He also spotlights TESSA of Colorado Springs, empowering victims of partner violence in the Homefront Military Network resource of the week.

Pasta in the Park has returned to an in-person format this year and it’s going to be better than ever!

Pasta, wine, beer, along with whiskey and bourbon from Distillery 1350 are all included with your admission. You can rest easy knowing that the proceeds will go to help victims of physical, mental and sexual abuse right here in our community.

Tessa’s entire mission is to give victims their lives back, you can help with that mission.

After a man walked into a birthday party in Colorado Springs last month and shot and killed six people and then himself, the police chief said domestic violence was “at the core” of what happened. After the incident, advocates said the stresses and isolation of the COVID-19 pandemic have made it even more challenging for victims of domestic violence to seek help.

Rica Molet is community engagement manager with TESSA, a nonprofit based in Colorado-Springs. Its goal is to create a community that’s free of sexual assault, domestic violence, stalking, and human trafficking. TESSA operates in El Paso and Teller counties. Nicole Castillo is program director with the Rose Andom Center based in Denver. It connects victims of domestic violence with a variety of services. They spoke with Colorado Matters about the relationship between the pandemic and domestic violence.

Tuesday night, FOX21 gathered a group of experts to talk about a tough topic: domestic violence.

Colorado Springs Mayor John Suthers joined us to talk about how domestic violence can affect the community. Suthers was previously Colorado’s Attorney General, and has a vast knowledge of the law. Fourth Judicial District Attorney Michael Allen also joined us to answer legal questions that arise in domestic abuse cases.

TESSA CEO Anne Markley also joined us for the panel. TESSA is a local organization that provides support and resources for those in abusive or violent relationships.

Tara Loo, a survivor of domestic violence, joined us to share her story and experiences.

Watch the hour-long panel in the three videos below.

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (KRDO) – Local advocates for domestic violence survivors are asking for help from our viewers amid a massive increase in calls and violence since the pandemic started.

TESSA of Colorado Springs empowers victims of partner violence to take back their lives, by providing support through dozens of programs including counseling, group counseling, housing, and educational opportunities for men, women, and children.

A shooting that killed seven people at a birthday party in Colorado Springs on Sunday appeared to be the result of domestic violence, according to Mayor John Suthers, highlighting a dark trend in the Pikes Peak region.

“We’re going to extreme acts of violence quicker,” said Anne Markley, CEO of TESSA, El Paso County’s primary domestic violence prevention and support organization, which saw record-high numbers for call of assistance last year that haven’t let up this year.

COLORADO SPRINGS — For some close to the family killed in Sunday’s shooting at a mobile home park, they’re now on a mission to make sure something like this never happens again. For one of them, that starts with making sure everyone knows the resources available to those in abusive relationships.

Colorado Springs Police say the man suspected of shooting and killing six family members at a birthday party Sunday morning was the boyfriend of one of the victims.

This year, Denim Day falls on Wednesday, April 28. It’s a chance for people to show solidarity with survivors of sexual assault by wearing jeans.

The global campaign began in 1999, following an Italian Supreme Court decision that reversed a 1992 rape conviction. A 45-year-old driving instructor was sentenced to jail for raping an 18-year-old girl, and then appealed the sentence. A reason contained in the statement from the court that reversed the decision said the victim wore tight jeans at the time, which could not be easily removed. It went on to say the girl must have helped take off her jeans, and by doing that, it was considered consensual sex.

Rica Molet, the Community Engagement Manager at TESSA, said abusers will often look for kids who are isolated or in need emotionally. They’ll start trying to relate to that child, fill needs they might have, and try to gain their trust. Then, they’ll often try to isolate that child even further emotionally and physically, by saying things like, “you can trust me, because no one else understands you the way I do.”

COLORADO SPRINGS — February is National Teen Dating Violence Awareness and Prevention Month. This year’s theme is “Love is Respect.”

TESSA is working to raise awareness about the issue. And it’s a much bigger issue than you may think.

TESSA, a domestic violence organization serving Teller and El Paso counties, says it’s seen an increase in calls since April.

According to TESSA, in March when the first Stay-At-Home order took place, it got ‘concerningly quiet.’

But when Governor Jared Polis put an order allowing those in an ‘unsafe’ environment to leave their homes, those calls increased. Since then, TESSA has seen a 50% increase in domestic violence calls in comparison to this time last year.

TESSA is a local organization that was established in May 1977 in response to a high rate of calls to local law enforcement from women threatened or assaulted by their partners.

They serve as a crucial resource for those going through the struggle of domestic violence. This morning, we chat with Rica Molet, Community Engagement Manager, on the importance of community support.

You can help by donating to Tessa on this year’s 2020 Give! Campaign. To do so, visit: https://indygive.com/nonprofit/tessa/

A Manitou Springs police officer, accused of posting nude photos of his ex-girlfriend online without her consent, was booked into jail Tuesday, court records show.

There have been 34 homicides in the City of Colorado Springs in 2020, and a suspicious death investigation from Wednesday morning is likely to bring the total to 35. By way of comparison, the 38 homicides in 2018 tied a record high total.

“The (TESSA) staff respected me, took time to understand my needs and advocate for me… TESSA will give you hope, give you options and a way to get out. Without TESSA, I wouldn’t be alive today. I now live in a safe and happy home.”

October is National Domestic Violence Awareness Month. TESSA is a Colorado Springs-based organization that provides resources for people experiencing domestic violence.

October has many designations, and one of them is National Domestic Violence Awareness Month.
In 2018, two cases domestic violence in Colorado captured national attention.

Support a good cause and enjoy delicious food with Pasta on the Porch. Fund will go towards TESSA’s cause. To donate, please head to the website: tpasta.givesmart.com

Support a good cause and enjoy delicious food with Pasta on the Porch. Fund will go towards TESSA’s cause. For more information, go online to tessacs.org.

TESSA is a Colorado Springs organization helping to foster a community free of domestic violence, sexual assault, and human trafficking. Last year, they hosted a successful Pasta in the Park fundraiser. This year, that event is going virtual with Pasta on the Porch. FOX21’s Lauren McDonald has all the details.

TESSA, which helps victims of relationship violence and sexual assault, does not take a stance on senate bills. However, they do say it’s very important to ensure an offender is being held accountable. “Is it actually safe for that offender to be out for the victim? And that’s the first thing that we need to know, and that’s the biggest thing,” said Courtney Sutton, the safety and support manager at TESSA.

Board President Tyrone Johnson says “Over the past year, Anne has exhibited extraordinary leadership and has improved the financial position of TESSA… which has enhanced and afforded TESSA great growth opportunities that supported new programs as well as the existing mission for the organization.“

Hear how Mt. Carmel Veterans Service Center and TESSA are partnering to provide the military and veteran community FREE monthly legal seminars geared specifically to the topics many experience. And COVID can’t stop annual philanthropic events. Hear about upcoming outdoor events where you can support Mt. Carmel while enjoying a fun experience.

The COVID-19 pandemic means we’re all battling an invisible enemy. We’re scrubbing hands, bleaching counters and fastening on masks before leaving the house, all in an effort to thwart the novel coronavirus.

Yet many people are fighting a familiar, but suddenly less visible and arguably more sinister, foe: domestic violence.

As cases of the coronavirus across Colorado begin to level off — a sign that hunkering down is making a difference — a sharp rise in domestic violence cases in El Paso County suggests that not everyone is safer at home.

In the last two weeks, there have been 50 more felony domestic violence cases compared with the same time last year, 4th Judicial District Attorney Dan May said Tuesday at the county commissioners meeting.

While their walk-in services are now offered remotely, TESSA can still help with advocacy, safe planning, housing support, and more.

“If you know someone that’s in a situation, continue to be making contact with them. Texting, calling, checking in on them. Just because we’re socially isolated at home doesn’t mean we stilll can’t be connecting in other ways to be checking in on those people that we care about,”

Top leaders with Mt. Carmel Veterans Service Center, the Pikes Peak United Way and TESSA share how local nonprofits are joining together to help connect residents with available resources throughout the COVID-19 crisis.

With the stay at home order extended, some organizations are concerned that domestic violence incidents could increase.

“The idea that we are having to be more socially distant is just causing one to have more time at home with an abusive partner,” Anne Markley said.

…Markley doesn’t believe a drop in reports means domestic or child abuse is happening any less. Still, the stresses brought on by the COVID–19 coronavirus in the ways of social isolation and layoffs in multiple industries may actually increase the instances.

PUEBLO – Members of the Pueblo community gathered Saturday night to honor two different women, who died in the same week because of injuries they received from their partners.

Two teens found dead during a search for a vehicle Tuesday night south of Fountain were victims of a murder-suicide, authorities confirmed Wednesday.

Ormao Dance Company and TESSA are partnering to address an urgent crisis for middle and high school youth in El Paso County.
The Hands are for Holding Program combines our youth’s social and emotional well-being with a constructive and preventive approach.
Ormao Dance Company and TESSA are ready to launch this essential program in the community, with El Paso County being the FIRST community outside of NYC to implement this program.

For more information and inquiries please visit Ormao Dance Company’s website.

Because of high demand, TESSA’s pop-up shop will remain open for another week.

TESSA pop-up shop at Promenade Shops at Briargate
The ‘Style for a Cause’ event is set up at a store on the east side of the Promenade Shops at Briargate in Colorado Springs. The store is open from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily.

COLORADO SPRINGS — Shopping while supporting victims of domestic violence and sexual assault – that’s what’s happening at a new pop-up shop in Colorado Springs.

Inside the old Gap building at The Promenade Shops at Briargate is the pop-up shop TESSA with everything form women’s clothing, shoes, and jewelry.

TESSA’s Interim CEO Anne Markley said, “We have anything from Banana Republic, White House Black Market, Ann Taylor, Chico’s, Coldwater Creek, Dolce & Gabbana, Escada, you name it, it’s here.”

As students get ready to head back to class on Thursday, teachers in Harrison School District 2 are preparing to pilot a new program.

In partnership with TESSA, a group that provides resources for victims of domestic violence, D-2 will be teaching middle and high schoolers about teen dating violence.

Every single day in Colorado Springs, police respond to an average of about 40 domestic violence calls. We’re told that number is much higher than Denver’s.

Courtney Sutton, the safety and support manager with TESSA, says there’s a lot of reasons why Colorado Springs police are getting about 40 calls a day related to domestic violence.

“I think our culture has a lot to do with it. Domestic violence is about entitlement, it’s about power and control and thinking you can have control over your partner,” says Sutton.

Ormao Dance Company in partnership with TESSA, a local organization focused on domestic violence and sexual assault prevention, will provide an in-school dance assembly program that is based on Gibney Dance Company’s Hands are for Holding program. Gibney Dance Company, based in New York City, has worked with survivors of intimate partner violence for decades, but in 2003 they turned their sights not only to healing trauma, but to preventing that trauma from happening in the first place.

They used to stand outside the Pioneers Museum every year.

Solemn red cutouts shaped like human beings, each with a sign hung around their neck telling a story. Each one representing a person lost to domestic violence.

Wear your Tiara, enjoy a special Womans Club (mar)Tini, and bring a box of Tampons (or other feminine hygiene product) as part of your entry fee! This is our annual feminine hygiene products drive which benefits several local non-profits who provide services dedicated to women.

Did you know that feminine hygiene products cannot be purchased with food stamps?

On Voices and Views on KCMJ, Judith interviews SherryLynn Boyles, TESSA Executive Director about TESSA’s new “It’s Not OK” Campaign.

It’s Not Okay Campaign Launch: “Everyone tends to focus on the victims,” says TESSA Executive Director SherryLynn Boyles. “People want to know ‘why don’t they leave?’ when we need to be asking ‘how can we stop the violence from ever happening?” “We are starting with a campaign that shifts that focus and says it’s never okay for someone to be abusive.”

It’s Okay to Ask for Help. Call for help at: 855-978-2638 for information about services that can help you if you are experiencing or witnessing violence, or if you’re using violence and want to change your own behavior. It is okay to ask for help

The Transforming Safety initiative in 2018 awarded about $1.5 million worth of grants to nonprofit organizations, government entities and schools doing work in, for and with the residents of Southeast Colorado Springs.

The recipients were chosen by a community selection committee and are using the funds to help stem the prison pipeline by stopping crime before it starts. The Southeast Express reached out to all 21 grantees for more information about the projects. Not every organization answered every question; however, here’s what we learned.

There are high rates of domestic and sexual violence plaguing the Pikes Peak region. TESSA Executive Director, SherryLynn Boyles, talks about the numbers, the different types of domestic violence, a new public awareness campaign called ‘IT’s NOT OKAY’, and a lot more.

We talked with Rica Molet, the Communications and Outreach Coordinator at TESSA about their new campaign launch and how to get in touch with them if you are using abusive behaviors or being abused.

Mayor Suthers, the 4th Judicial District Attorney and family members of domestic violence murder victims joined TESSA in announcing the campaign Wednesday.

“It was not something that we realized was happening and then we learned a lot through the process of going to trial in the district attorneys and investigators and domestic violence experts we learned so much about how important stuff is to pay attention to,” Jerrica Bickford told 11 News. Her sister, Jaclyn Funderburg was killed by her ex-boyfriend and father of her child back in 2007. Funderburg’s ex, Salvator Esquivel-Castillo assaulted her just a few weeks before she was murdered.

11 News Morning Anchors interview SherryLynn Boyles, Executive Director, on the morning of the “It’s Not Okay” Campaign launch and discuss more in detail what the campaign is about and how the community will be impacted.

“Nationally, one in four women and one in seven men will experience domestic violence in their lifetimes. Folks, that is simply unacceptable,” Springs Mayor John Suthers.

Former El Paso County Commissioner Darryl Glenn has been hired by a local nonprofit that serves domestic violence survivors.

The Transforming Safety Grant wants to prevent folks from ending up behind bars.
At Tuesday’s city council meeting, the City of Colorado Springs shared a proclamation to celebrate the project’s success.

Courtney Sutton, Safety and Support Manager at TESSA, talks to Mike Lewis, on KRDO News Radio about TESSA in the community

The year 2018 was known for the #MeToo movement in which victims across the country rose up against sexual assault and harassment — ending careers for several powerful men implicated in the crimes — and encouraged others to follow suit.

Domestic violence thrives in the shadows of secrecy, making it difficult to talk to victims who may try to hide the abuse out of shame or fear. But experts in El Paso County and the Colorado Springs area say there are ways to approach the conversation if you suspect someone you love is being abused.

But the holidays can come with unique mental health challenges.

Domestic Violence experts discuss a number of ways to help end abuse in Colorado Springs, but argue it will taken cooperation from the entire community to achieve. “Our community has stepped up to do that,” one official said.

Three years ago this month, Geoff was just starting El Paso County’s Domestic Violence Court program after a 65-day stay in jail for violating terms of a permanent protection order.

El Paso County has the second highest number of domestic violence cases in the state, with 40 domestic violence homicides in the last five years, yet it’s one of the hardest counties in which to win protection orders to guard against that abuse, according to experts and records.

Editor’s note: This is part 1 of a 4-part Shattered Lives series on domestic violence in El Paso County.

Women dealing with domestic and sexual violence and its repercussions turn to TESSA for assistance every day. This can be through the organization’s 32-bed safe house, victim advocacy, counseling, a 24/7 hotline, children’s programs and community outreach/education.

The Colorado Springs Health Foundation will award almost $600,000 in grants to nine organizations in El Paso and Teller counties working to prevent child abuse and support victims.

The impact of the #MeToo movement and the women openly speaking out was fresh on the minds of nearly 700 people at TESSA’s Sept. 15 Gala, “The Encore.”

October is Domestic Violence Awareness month.

Perhaps one of the most heinous life’s potential crises is finding oneself living with an abuser in a relationship that is supposed to be about love.

Colorado Springs nonprofit TESSA has merged with the Women’s Resource Agency, combining services to women and their children who are victims of sexual and family violence.

“Not everybody is ready to make that decision at that point, especially. This is something that’s very traumatic that happens to you,” said Courtney Sutton, safety and support manager at Tessa.

In 2014, the latest nationwide numbers say nearly 30,000 women have reported being victim to sexual assault or harassment.

Two of the most prominent nonprofit organizations that are focused on our area’s most vulnerable residents are combining forces to strengthen and broaden their mission and impact on the local community. TESSA and Women’s Resource Agency have confirmed their strategic initiative to begin integrating overall services starting immediately as a staged effort, with TESSA as the acquiring entity.

Living Local on Fox21 News

TESSA of Colorado Springs focuses on empowering victims of domestic violence and sexual abuse. For more information about everything TESSA of Colorado Springs provides, visit tessacs.org. Watch the video of Executive Director, SherryLynn Boyles by click on the button below

TESSA’S 40 years Ruby Anniversary Gala- Voted “Most Memorable Gala”- Best of the Springs

Months after this gala, many of the 750 who attended were still brought to tears or lumps in the throat remembering parts of an unforgettable evening. TESSA’s work is, by its nature, heartbreaking as it empowers victims of domestic violence and continues work to slow sexual assault. This anniversary acknowledged 40 years of work and the dream for a less violent future…

“I will never talk the same. I’ll never walk the same. Nothing’s ever going to be the same. But… I don’t want to lose faith,” Roxanne Blevins said.
She was divorced after two decades of marriage and decided to get back in the dating game. Like a lot of people she tried online dating.

April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month — suggesting we should all be more aware of sexual assault. Not a bad idea in concept, but rape is hardly a topic people would like to spend their time thinking about when they’re not thinking about their jobs, families, and hobbies.

“names SherryLynn Boyles one of the Most Inspiring Women”

“Originally, TESSA expected to serve approximately 125 clients over the course of the 20-month grant. Due to the increased confidence victims have with legal representation, 125 victims were assigned attorneys after only five months.”

“On Wednesday, TESSA announced their new No Excuse for Abuse Task Force, aiming to stop domestic and sexual violence.”

“Colorado Springs Mayor John Suthers will serve as honorary chairman of a task force dedicated to reducing domestic and sexual violence in the Pikes Peak region, the nonprofit TESSA announced Wednesday.”

“A Ruby Anniversary Gala crowd of 750 helped TESSA turn 40 at The Broadmoor, raising $225,000 toward its domestic-violence-prevention mission.”

“When it comes to protecting domestic violence victims, El Paso County is behind the rest of the state. Our local district attorney says we need to make a change.”

“Community leaders gathered Thursday to answer a question that plagues too many Colorado Springs families: How do we stop domestic violence?
Alarming figures were repeatedly recited – city police respond to up to 40 calls of domestic abuse daily; local domestic violence resource TESSA is called to aid about 10,000 victims in El Paso and Teller counties annually; one in four women and one in seven men will experience domestic violence in their lifetimes.”

“Stopping domestic violence in our community is a huge task. So community leaders are meeting to figure out ways to prevent domestic violence and sexual assault in Colorado Springs. It’s being hosted by TESSA, a non-profit which works to help victims.”

“A local nonprofit organization is expanding its services to better help domestic violence victims escape their abusers.
TESSA, which serves survivors of domestic and sexual violence in El Paso and Teller counties, unveiled two new programs on Wednesday: one to put families displaced by domestic violence in new homes and another to hire lawyers to secure protective orders for victims who can’t afford legal help.”

“TESSA, an organization that provides a safe haven for victims of domestic violence, celebrated its 40th anniversary Wednesday with three new initiatives. Mayor John Suthers joined County Commissioner Darryl Glenn, district attorney Dan May and others to make the announcements.”