Denver, Colorado – Alexandra James Banuelos, an Indigenous woman in Denver, is speaking out about the need for better support for survivors of domestic violence, particularly in her community. Following a violent attack by her husband, Banuelos is calling for increased access to resources that could potentially prevent such incidents in the future.
More than a week after the attack, Banuelos still bears visible signs of the violence she endured, with bruises of various colors covering her face and her left eye swollen shut. Recounting the harrowing experience, she described being physically assaulted by her husband after expressing her desire for a divorce, leaving her with physical and emotional scars.
Banuelos shared that the attack was not an isolated incident, as she had previously filed a protection order against her husband following an alleged assault on February 14. She expressed fear for her safety, as her husband has a history of arrests related to assault and domestic violence.
Despite the severity of the incident, no arrests have been made in connection to the attack, and Banuelos remains concerned for her safety. She emphasized the urgent need to leave Colorado, fearing for her life if her husband were to locate her.
Reflecting on her experience, Banuelos highlighted the lack of accessible resources for Indigenous communities facing domestic violence. She emphasized the importance of providing adequate support and services to prevent further instances of violence.
According to the U.S. Department of Justice, a significant number of American Indian and Alaska Native adults have experienced violence in their lifetime, underscoring the urgent need for tailored resources and assistance. Banuelos stressed the necessity of addressing the unique challenges faced by Indigenous individuals in accessing support services.
In light of her ordeal, Banuelos expressed gratitude for her survival and urged for greater awareness and action to support victims and survivors of domestic violence. As she continues to recover from the traumatic incident, Banuelos remains committed to advocating for better resources and protection for individuals in vulnerable situations.