
11 questions lawmakers hope could help prevent domestic violence killings
From Purplish by Colorado Public Radio
April 10, 2026 · 27 min
About this episode
The episode discusses a proposed bill in Colorado aimed at preventing domestic violence killings through a set of risk assessment questions for law enforcement.
A bill advancing through Colorado's statehouse would require law enforcement officers to ask a set of 11 questions — 11 very specific questions, meant to measure someone’s risk of dying at the hands of their abuser. Backers say the change is especially urgent now, because even though homicides in Colorado have gone down in recent years, domestic violence killings have gone up. CPR’s Bente Birkeland , KUNC’s Kyle McKinnon and CPR’s Ava Kian discuss efforts to try to improve how law enforcement across Colorado responds to domestic violence calls, and the unique challenges of addressing domestic violence. Catch up on our latest coverage: CPR News: Advocates push for a statewide protocol for domestic violence victims KUNC: Colorado lawmakers want police to take new steps when responding to domestic violence calls KUNC: Colorado faces domestic violence crisis as survivor danger escalates CPR News: Colorado domestic violence deaths rise even as statewide homicides fall Purplish is produced by CPR News and the Capitol News Alliance, a collaboration between KUNC News, Colorado Public Radio, Rocky Mountain PBS, and The Colorado Sun, and shared with Rocky Mountain Community Radio and other…
People in this episode
Host: Bente Birkeland
Guests: Kyle McKinnon, Ava Kian
Topics covered
- domestic violence
- law enforcement
- risk assessment
- homicides
- Colorado legislation
- victim support
Keywords
- domestic violence
- Colorado
- law enforcement
- homicides
- risk assessment
- legislation
- victim support
Mentioned in this episode
Organizations: Colorado Public Radio, KUNC, Rocky Mountain PBS, The Colorado Sun, Capitol News Alliance, Corporation for Public Broadcasting
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