In the News

Oct. 29, 2024 - The state went from getting $31.3 million in VOCA funds in fiscal year 2017 to about $13.6 million in the most recent fiscal year, when the money was stretched to help support more than 125,000 survivors—mostly women who were victims of domestic violence or sexual assault, Department of Justice data shows.

Sept. 30, 2024 - Laura Patlan, Co-Director of Client Services, sat down with Jenny Stith, Executive Director at Wings, and the Caring for Denver Foundation to delve deeper into the mental health implications of sexual assault and the various interventions available for healing.

Sept. 24,2024 - "We got our VOCA notification, and when we look at year over year, we're losing about 45% of our funding from [fiscal year] 2024 to 2025," said Megan Carvajal, executive director of The Blue Bench

Sept. 23, 2024 - Kaylyn Fern, director of Philanthropy at The Blue Bench, emphasized the significance of the program: “Denver is a city that strongly values social responsibility. With the high prevalence of sexual violence and harassment, our SHIELD certification enables businesses to demonstrate their commitment to creating a safe work environment and supporting survivors..."

Sept. 11, 2024 - "Having the control of being able to do it yourself with guidance or with clear instructions feels a lot more empowering than someone else, even if it's a well-intentioned healthcare professional touching you in an area that might unfortunately have associations with previous trauma," said Ana Martinez, co-director of client services with The Blue Bench.

April 28, 2024 - The new legislation is an expansion of the Rape Shield law that stops certain pieces of victim information from being used as evidence in court.

April 9, 2024 - Isaac Vargas interviews RISE Featured Artist, Tlalli, RISE Co-Founder, Jenn Merz, and The Blue Bench's Executive Director, Megan Carvajal, about the third annual RISE art show and the impact VOCA funding cuts will have on survivors like those apart of our show.

April 7, 2024 - "For many, after an assault, it can be difficult to put into words the trauma they've experienced. Survivors in Denver are finding a path to healing through art."

April 3, 2024 - RISE Co-Founder, Jenn Merz Color Queen, 2024 RISE Featured Artist, Tlalli, and RISE exhibition team member, D, shared their stories in honor of the 10th anniversary of the Start by Believing campaign by the Denver Police

April 3, 2024 - "In Denver, RemainReal Fine Art Gallery is including an art exhibit, created by survivors of sexual assault. This shares a powerful message that survivors are not alone. Three survivors, Jenn Merz CQ -- which stands for "color queen," Tlalli and D, shared their stories Wednesday."

Feb. 26, 2024 - "The biggest source of funding in the state to support people who've been a victim of a crime is about to take a massive hit. Now, victims' service providers are hoping the state can step in so they can keep supporting survivors. 'It feels like a lot more people than what already do would fall through the cracks,' said Laura Patlan, client services co-director at The Blue Bench. "

Feb. 5, 2024 - "Advocates with The Blue Bench say this tool is needed. They're just surprised it took so long to implement. 'You know, if this has happened to you, this is not your fault. It's the fault of the person who chose to do it. And it is never too late to ask for help,' said Ana Martinez, Clinical Program Manager at The Blue Bench. "

Jan. 25, 2024 - "But victims’ advocate Casey Ballinger, who’s also on the SOMB and works for a sexual violence prevention nonprofit, agrees with providers on the value of treatment in prison. Without it, Ballinger said, prison settings don’t always allow offenders the tools to take accountability for their actions."

Jan. 3, 2024 - "'It's terrifying to think about there being more victims and it's not surprising,' said Megan Carvajal, executive director of the Blue Bench. Carvajal said the staff at Blue Bench are always busy, working around the clock to help victims of sexual assault. She said it's scary to think that Alamillo-Gonzales, a man accused of sexually assaulting and kidnapping multiple women in Denver, could have more victims still out there."

Nov. 29, 2023 - "'Law enforcement has access to a lot more resources than DORA has, and if they had passed that along, there might have been a way for law enforcement to step in and interfere before this man was able to harm more people,' Bailey Brand of The Blue Bench said."