At the request of Attorney General Rosenblum and others, the Oregon Legislature’s Emergency Board (“E-Board”) has provided an emergency infusion of $2 million dollars to fund crucial safe housing to victims and survivors of domestic violence. Local domestic violence service providers have struggled to keep up with dramatically increased demand throughout the Covid-19 pandemic.
On March 27th, AG Rosenblum sent a letter to the Legislative Committee on Coronavirus, joining with advocates, service providers and law enforcement in requesting an emergency allocation of funds to meet this profound need.
“Throughout Oregon, advocates and service providers are working around the clock to help the survivors of domestic assault navigate this incredibly difficult time,” said Attorney General Rosenblum. “We have repeatedly heard that chronic shortfalls in funding for domestic violence and sexual assault services have left our providers stretched far beyond capacity. The additional dollars invested today will translate directly to desperately needed services to victims and survivors, many of whom are simply not safe in their own homes. The Oregon Legislature’s Emergency Board has my profound thanks for taking this necessary action.”
The Crime Victim and Survivor Services Division of the Oregon DOJ (CVSSD) is also working with programs around the state to reduce the increased strain on domestic violence services by helping victims cover crime related costs and support statewide victim services programs. CVSSD has created a new webpage with resources for survivors, service providers and others during the Covid-19 pandemic. Please visit: https://www.doj.state.or.us/crime-victims/for-grantees/covid-19-updates/
“If you are a survivor of sexual assault, even during these difficult times, we want you to know that you still have options. You have choices about whether you disclose what happened, whether you seek medical help, whether you have evidence collected, or whether you talk with the police,” said Attorney General Rosenblum. “With this infusion of funding from the state legislature, more confidential advocates will be able to support more survivors. For example, advocates are crucial to helping survivors understand their choice to have evidence collected through a Sexual Assault Forensic Evidence (SAFE) exam even if they are not reporting to the police. There are many “at-home” evidence collection kits on the market, and while they may be appealing, these at-home kits can be flawed.”
To locate advocacy options near you please visit the Oregon Attorney General’s Sexual Assault Task Force website or call the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-HOPE (4673).
The Oregon Department of Justice (DOJ) is led by Attorney General Ellen Rosenblum, and serves as the state’s law firm. The Oregon DOJ advocates for and protects all Oregonians, especially the most vulnerable, such as children and seniors.