House Human Services Committee Focuses on DV
The Honorable Maureen McKnight, Multnomah County Circuit Court, talks about the need for an individualized response to domestic violence and different avenues to accessing safety
Kris Billhardt, Executive Director of VOA Home Free, provides examples of how a lack of housing has affected people trying to leave abusive relationships
Kris Billhardt emphasizes how the combination of safe housing and specialized services work
Jayne Downing, Executive Director of Mid-Valley Women’s Crisis Service, tells why it’s important for the workplace to be a safe place
Lauren Paulk, Teen Advocate at VOA Home Free, talks about prevention efforts with adolescents
Lauren Paulk provides information on how adolescents have responded to the prevention trainings
Sybil Hebb, Legislative Director for the Oregon Law Center, discusses the recent increase in domestic violence fatalities and why Oregon needs a more coordinated response
On average each year, 18 Oregonians are killed as a result of domestic violence. This statistic is shocking enough. But in the last four months alone, 19 women and children have been killed as a result of domestic violence. This violence has left communities and the state reeling, and has renewed a commitment to prevent future fatalities.
The recent spate of domestic violence-related murder suicides underscore not only a larger crisis of violence against women in Oregon, but a severe lack of services for people trying to flee abuse. It also underscores the need for increased primary prevention efforts and a coordinated system and community response.
On Feb. 19, 2010, the House Human Services Committee heard testimony from service providers and allied professionals about how Oregon can improve its response to domestic violence. Click on the links below to hear excerpts of testimony:
