Commissioner Lori Stegmann statement on behalf of the Multnomah County Board:
We are deeply saddened by the senseless and tragic death of two young girls in Gresham early Wednesday. While many details of today’s events are unclear, Multnomah County has resources and a deep commitment to support anyone affected by domestic violence.
On behalf of the Board of County Commissioners I would like to extend our heartfelt sympathies to those involved. It is devastating to even imagine losing loved ones. As your board, and as mothers, our hearts are with you. The impact of these deaths is being felt across the county, in neighborhoods and schools, and it is important to care for one another in the days ahead.
It is critically important to recognize signs if you or someone you know is experiencing relationship violence in its many forms. Domestic violence can be physical harm, verbal attacks, psychological manipulation, sexual abuse, financial abuse and other forms of control by a partner or family member. Domestic violence affects people of every age, gender, and background across Multnomah County. Before Wednesday’s incident, 16 other people had died in domestic violence incidents in Oregon in 2017.
Multnomah County’s Domestic and Sexual Violence Coordination Office is committed to working with our partners to eliminate domestic violence. If you or someone you know is experiencing a dangerous or violent situation, please seek help by reaching out to one of these organizations:- Call to Safety, a 24-hour domestic and sexual violence crisis line, 888.235.5333 or calltosafety.org
- El Programa Hispano - Proyecto UNICA - Linea de Crisis, 503.232.4448.
- The Gateway Center for Domestic Violence Services, 10305 E. Burnside, Portland, a drop-in domestic violence services center Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Commissioner Stegmann represents East Multnomah County, including Gresham, and serves with Chair Deborah Kafoury and Commissioners Dr. Sharon Meieran, Loretta Smith and Jessica Vega Pederson.