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If you are a survivor of domestic violence, or know someone who is a survivor, there is free, confidential help avialable. Go to http://www.ocadsv.org/OCADSV_SheltersAndServices_Map.asp for a list of services available in every county in Oregon.

posted 2 years, 4 months ago
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If you are a low-income domestic violence victim in need of legal services, you may qualify for free legal assistance from legal aid:

Go to www.oregonlawhelp.org for information about where to find a legal aid office near you.

Or contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1−800−799−SAFE (7233) for free and confidential 24 hour support, as well as referrals to safety services near you.

Or go to http://www.dhs.state.or.us/abuse/domestic/gethelp.htm for a list of domestic violence shelter and support services in every county of the state.

If you are being abused, the abuse is not your fault. You deserve help, and there is help available.

posted 3 years, 2 months ago
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Studies show that while a bad economy will not cause a person to become a batterer, it can increase the incidence and severity of domestic violence where the propensity previously exists.

Maybe more importantly, the poor economy also limits options for victims to escape: In Oregon in 2008, approximately 20,000 requests for emergency shelter from domestic violence victims could not be met, due to lack of shelter resources. We know that 48% of victims seeking shelter have at least one minor child with them at the time of the request. In a bad economy, victims are less likely to have the resources they need to secure safe and affordable shelter or housing, and are often faced with the dilemma of having to chose between returning to an abusive home or sleeping in the streets.

In the last 14 months, 47 Oregonians – women, children, and men - have died as a result of domestic violence. These tragedies demand our attention, our response, and our prevention efforts, through this bad economy and forward. I hope this discussion can lend urgency and momentum to these efforts.  

posted 3 years, 2 months ago
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