Multnomah County officials and community leaders gathered Thursday, Oct. 31, to proclaim October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month. The declaration emphasized the importance of collective action and support for survivors. The annual proclamation highlighted the need to break the silence surrounding domestic violence and center the voices of those with lived experience.
“When we gather to raise awareness, we disrupt the pattern of silence,” said Chair Jessica Vega Pederson, reflecting on how the topic was rarely discussed when she was growing up. “We build power and show survivors that they are not alone. We build a stronger, more accountable community.”
Alix Sanchez, director of the County’s Domestic Violence Coordination Office, shared statistics emphasizing the impact of domestic violence in Multnomah County. “Multiple studies have shown that financial abuse is a factor in well over 90% of domestic violence cases,” Sanchez said, noting that lifetime costs for survivors can exceed $100,000.
According to a survey Sanchez cited, these financial losses can amount to an average of $1,200 in stolen funds per month, $15,000 in lifetime coerced or fraudulent debt, $17,000 in property damage caused by abusers and more than $23,000 in lost income due to job loss and absenteeism.
Rebecca Leediker, program specialist with the Multnomah County District Attorney’s Victim Assistance Program, expressed gratitude for the advocates, legal professionals and community members who tirelessly support survivors. “Your unwavering commitment to justice and compassion brings light to dark corners offering survivors hope and strength.”
Leediker highlighted the program’s multifaceted approach, which includes supporting survivors through legislative changes, helping survivors access confidential address programs, and collaborating with community partners to address homelessness and gun violence. She called for continued investment in resources and support systems.
“We’re grateful to join this proclamation of Domestic Violence Awareness month, as it helps bring the terror so many endure in silence into the public eye,” said Leediker.
Tiffany Thomas, program and services director at Bradley Angle, spoke from her personal experience as a survivor, emphasizing the need for culturally specific and culturally respectful support services. She called attention to the disproportionate impact of domestic violence on Black women and lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex and asexual (LGBTQIA+) individuals in Multnomah County.
Bradley Angle centers Black and African American survivors of domestic violence as well as LGBTQIA+ survivors in Multnomah County.
“It’s imperative that while we acknowledge domestic violence and its impact on everyone in our community that we take the time and recognize [that] oppression and marginalization are part of everyday life for many BIPOC and LGBTQIA+ people,” Thomas stated.
In Multnomah County, Black women comprise 4.5% of the population but account for over 35% of survivors seeking services, Thomas said. She urged policymakers to center the lived experiences of marginalized communities when creating policies and allocating resources.
Betsy Cliffman, representing Call to Safety, a longstanding organization providing crisis support and advocacy services, described the organization’s crucial work providing crisis support and advocacy services in Multnomah County and beyond.
“Over the last year, our 40 staff have had over 33,000 contacts with people who are survivors or experiencing violence,” she shared.
Cliffman detailed Call to Safety’s support services, including a crisis line, case management, housing support and emergency room response. She noted that 90% of their staff identify as survivors themselves. “Directly financing our services as organizations,” she explained, “it’s putting money into pockets of survivors and really ensuring financial security for those who already experienced this violence and are working to support others to no longer experience it.”
Cliffman took a moment to remember individuals recently lost to domestic violence: Haley, Wilma, Summer, a college student, Amber and Angelica.
Board remarks
Commissioners Sharon Meieran reflected on her experience as an emergency room doctor and her time with the county. She called out the need for increased investment in survivor services. “We can do so much better and we have to do so much better,” she said and called for a doubling of current investments.
“Broken societies create broken people,” said Commissioner Jesse Beason. He emphasized the need for societal healing and a future where everyone can thrive, thanking those working to address these issues.
Commissioner Julia Brim-Edwards extended her appreciation to Multnomah County staff and community partners for their tireless work supporting survivors, acknowledging their efforts as crucial to the healing process. “Your work is what aids in the healing and is making a difference,” she said.
Commissioner Lori Stegmann stressed the need for culturally specific services and fair wages for those providing them, “we need to value their expertise and their lived experience.”
Chair Vega Pederson thanked the presenters for their efforts and expressed anticipation for further discussions about the county’s programs and initiatives.