Erin Greenawald brings more than a decade of experience prosecuting domestic violence

Attorney General John Kroger today announced the hiring of prosecutor Erin Greenawald to lead the Department of Justice’s efforts to combat domestic violence.

“Erin Greenawald has prosecuted domestic violence for more than a decade. She brings just the type of experience we need at the Department of Justice,” said Attorney General Kroger. “There is an overwhelming need for state and local agencies to work together to prevent domestic violence homicides. The Department of Justice recognizes this need and its importance by the creation and support of a new Domestic Violence Prosecutor’s position.”

Domestic violence homicides in Oregon are up significantly by historic standards, with at least 22 in 2009 and 9 so far this year. By contrast, there was an average of 18 domestic violence homicides a year from 1997 to 2003, according to a Department of Human Services study.

Erin Greenawald fills a new position at the Department of Justice that is modeled on DOJ’s very successful coordinated statewide approach to DUII. Greenawald will increase the capacity of Oregon’s criminal justice system to stop domestic violence by providing training, technical assistance and legal expertise to prosecutors, police officers, sheriffs and service providers. She will also assist local district attorneys in the prosecution of complex cases. Greenawald will be responsible for developing training materials, best-practice policies and other publications to improve the identification, investigation and prosecution of domestic violence, sexual assault and stalking.

Greenawald, a graduate of Willamette University College of Law, has worked since 1999 as a domestic violence prosecutor, first in Marion and then in Yamhill counties. She has also worked on county Domestic Violence Task Forces and a Multi-disciplinary Child Abuse Assessment Team.

Greenawald’s position is funded by a federal STOP Violence Against Women Act grant obtained by the Oregon Department of Justice.

Attorney General John Kroger leads the Oregon Department of Justice. The Department’s mission is to fight crime and fraud, protect the environment, improve child welfare, promote a positive business climate, and defend the rights of all Oregonians.

Contact:

Tony Green, (503) 378-6002 tony.green@doj.state.or.us |