New domestic violence campaign aims to help abusers change

Every day in Colorado Springs 35 domestic violence calls are made to our police department.

One local nonprofit, TESSA, has a new push to help put a stop to it.

They've got a new campaign that says: It's not okay.

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.

TESSA wants people to stop asking why victims stay and shift the focus to preventing abuse.

They want abusers to know counseling is available to them to help them change these patterns.

“This particular campaign takes a different approach by targeting the perpetrator with a message that physical or verbal emotional and financial abuse are never okay,” Mayor John Suthers said.

If you or someone you know needs help call TESSA's 24-hour safe line: 719-633-3819.

If you are using abusive behaviors and need help, call 855-978-2638.