Citing a backlash from domestic violence advocates, backers of a Denver marijuana legalization ballot measure announced today they are delaying the debut of three controversial billboards showing a battered woman.

Political leaders and domestic violence advocates had condemned the ads for misleading voters and exploiting the tragedy of abused women. The billboards had been scheduled to appear today, but now won’t go up for at least three days.

The planned billboards showed a downcast woman with a black eye, her abuser lurking behind her, and the slogan: "Reduce family and community violence in Denver. Vote Yes on I-100."

Nowhere was there a mention that Initiative 100’s passage would amend Denver law to make it legal for adults to possess 1 ounce or less of marijuana.

I-100 campaign director Mason Tvert, at a news conference this morning, defended the honesty of the billboard’s message — and the central theme of the Alcohol-Marijuana Equalization Initiative — that marijuana is a safer alternative to alcohol.

He cited local and national studies saying booze fuels domestic violence as well as injuries and deaths caused by drunken driving fatalities, other violence and alcoholism.