Domestic violence crimes are on the rise in Denver, police say.

The Denver Police Department announced Thursday that there has been an overall increase of intimate partner abuse cases this year — which includes homicides.

As of Aug. 17, domestic violence reports in Denver have increased 4% compared to the same timeframe last year, according to the department. There have been 4,549 reported domestic violence offenses between Jan. 1 and Aug. 17. There were 4,350 reported domestic violence offenses in the same period in 2023.

“Any form of violence is unacceptable,” Denver Police Chief Ron Thomas said in the press release. “However, when it is at the hands of a loved one, it increases the complexity of the situation and creates challenges which members of the Denver Police Department and our partners are committed to help overcome. By reaching out for help, you may just save your life.”

Recent domestic violence case

For example, Denver police recently arrested 50-year-old Brian Mervin on suspicion of first-degree murder after an incident that occurred in the 4000 block of North Adams Street around 6 p.m. Monday.

Mervin flagged down someone to call 911, noting that he had found his wife struggling to breathe, police said.

Mervin allegedly asked a nearby witness if they knew CPR to help his wife. When the witness said no, Mervin allegedly returned inside of the home and did not call 911, according to arrest records.

The witness returned after contemplation and called 911.

Officers and paramedics responded to the scene and found the woman on a bed in the home. They transported the wife to a nearby hospital, where she later died.

Responders noticed “significant” bruising and abrasions on the woman’s neck, discoloration indicating strangulation and scratches on her legs and back as if she had been dragged through heavy brush.

While paramedics placed the wife in an ambulance, Mervin was inside the house drinking a soda and smoking a cigarette.

“He did not appear to make any inquiries of the victim’s status or be concerned with her treatment inside the ambulance at the time of her treatment on scene,” according to the arrest records.

A family member or friend, not identified in the affidavit, claimed that Mervin would act aggressively toward the wife, especially when he drank.

Neighbors told investigators that they often heard screaming matches inside of the home and objects being thrown.

Resources

The Denver Police Department noted various services that victims of domestic violence can use.

For example, the department pointed toward the Rose Andom Center — a family justice center, located at 1330 Fox St., where victims can access community partners and resources in domestic violence assistance.

Victims can also meet with members of the Denver Police Department’s specialized Domestic Violence Unit and Denver District Attorney’s Office to learn options of reporting the abuse.

“The rise in domestic violence incidents is deeply concerning, but it also underscores the urgent need for accessible, comprehensive support for victims,” Margaret Abrams, executive director of the Rose Andom Center, said in the release. “Domestic violence impacts individuals across all walks of life, and the consequences can be devastating. Our goal at the Rose Andom Center is to ensure that every victim has the support and resources necessary to escape abuse and find safety. No one should have to face this alone.”

Signs of someone being a victim of domestic abuse include:

• Person appears fearful of their romantic partner
• Has unexplained and/or frequent bruising, cuts or other injuries
• Their partner is extremely jealous, controlling, belittling and/or isolating of their partner
• Cannot access their money and/or has little to no power in the relationship
• Has to constantly check in with their partner

Those who suspect a friend of relative is a victim of abuse can contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline for guidance.