Colorado Sees Rise in Domestic Violence Deaths in 2025
State data shows 78 people died in domestic violence incidents, prompting new protocols for law enforcement.
Updated on Oct. 22, 2026 in Violence
In 2025, 78 people died in domestic violence cases across Colorado, marking an increase of six fatalities compared to the previous year. This death toll included 32 victims, 38 perpetrators, and eight family members or friends.
Why it matters
The Domestic Violence Fatality Review Board tracks these incidents to identify risk factors and improve intervention. Officials hope a new, mandatory lethality assessment protocol will better connect at-risk victims with essential support services.
Of the 57 total domestic violence cases recorded in 2025, 18 involved murder-suicide and 28 perpetrators died by suicide. No child deaths were reported in 2025, compared to eight child deaths documented in 2024.
The players
Domestic Violence Fatality Review Board
This state organization tracks and publishes annual data regarding domestic violence deaths to inform public policy.
The details
Under the new state mandate starting in summer 2027, law enforcement officers will be required to use a standardized set of questions to evaluate risk levels for victims. This systemic change follows an annual review of cases that identified consistent patterns among the 78 deaths recorded last year.
Timeline
In 2024, there were eight child fatalities and a lower total death count in domestic violence cases.
In 2025, Colorado recorded 78 total deaths related to domestic violence incidents.
A mandatory lethality assessment protocol for law enforcement is set to launch in summer 2027.
The Domestic Violence Fatality Review Board program is scheduled to sunset in July 2027.
Legal Context
The adoption of the mandatory lethality assessment protocol aligns with national trends toward evidence-based risk assessment in law enforcement. This shift marks a departure from discretionary victim-interview practices by establishing a standardized statewide framework for identifying high-risk domestic situations.
Residents in the area should note that law enforcement will soon implement standardized risk assessment questions during domestic violence calls. Those seeking immediate assistance can contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233.
The takeaway
Understanding the warning signs of domestic violence is critical for community safety. Individuals are encouraged to utilize available support services to connect with professionals who can assess risks and provide protective resources.
What happens next
The mandatory lethality assessment protocol is scheduled to launch in summer 2027, and the Domestic Violence Fatality Review Board program is slated to sunset in July 2027 unless extended.
Further reading
For more information on safety initiatives, visit the Violence section.
More information
For support and resources, visit the National Domestic Violence Hotline website.
Source note: This article includes information reported by KUNC.
