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Archives for February 2009

2008 National Census of Domestic Violence Services Released

Posted by Linda Miles on February 11, 2009

On September 17, 2008, 1,553 out of 2,000 domestic violence programs (PWCL included) participated in the 2008 National Census of Domestic Violence Services. This program of the National Network to End Domestic Violence provides a One Day Count of domestic violence services provided in the United States and Territories.

Nationally, 60,799 survivors were served in one day. 30,433 found a safe place in domestic violence shelter or transitional housing programs. 21,683 hotline calls were answered that day - more than 14 calls every minute. 30,210 people attended 1,455 training sessions provided by domestic violence programs, gaining information about domestic violence prevention and early intervention.

There were 8,927 unmet requests for services in one day. Over 50% of these unmet requests were from survivors seeking emergency shelter or transitional housing.

Not surprisingly, lack of staffing was indicated as a significant reason that programs could not meet the needs of domestic violence survivors. 70% of programs have less than 20 paid staff, including 38% with less than 10 paid staff. The average starting salary for a full-time, salaried front-line advocate is $24,765 - which is certainly not a “livable wage” in any state of our nation.

In Oregon, 1,277 survivors were served in one day. Oregon’s statistics mirrored the National count, although the unmet request for emergency shelter or transitional housing was 75% in comparison to a national average of 50%. Read more about Oregon’s stats here (Adobe Acrobat required).

One participant provided feedback that is true for PWCL and the survivors we work with as well:

Survivors in our community come to us with the hope that we can help with financial problems, such as rent, court fees, etc. We don’t have the resources to help and after calling other agencies in the area, no funding is available elsewhere. More and more women and children are living on the street. It is very frustrating.

Please support PWCL’s vital services in our community by making a gift today. As this survey shows us, every dollar is needed and every dollar makes a difference.

Call your Oregon State Legislators Today! Save Core DV/SA Services

Posted by Linda Miles on February 5, 2009

Dear Friends and Supporters,

Next Tuesday, February 10th, the Oregon State Public Safety Subcommittee of the Ways and Means Committee will meet to receive public comment regarding the Oregon Domestic and Sexual Violence Services Fund (ODSVS). The Oregon Domestic and Sexual Violence Services Fund (ODSVS) is the only source of general fund dollars that provides services to victims of domestic and sexual violence in every county in Oregon and it funds crucial crisis line coverage at PWCL.

Please call and write to these key members of the committee and tell them to PROTECT CORE SERVICES TO SURVIVORS OF DOMESTIC AND SEXUAL VIOLENCE.  A State equity allocation study conducted in 2006 found that an additional $5 million in ODSVS funding was necessary to ensure that survivors statewide have access to the most basic minimum safety services. The legislature supported this effort in 2007with a $2 million increase to ODSVS funding.  Now in 2009, the ODSVS fund is once again in jeopardy.  The Governor’s budget calls for a 10% decrease in these funds but looming forecasts indicate that the Legislature will be facing even tougher choices than they thought.

We must make sure our voices are heard! Download this fact sheet (odsvs_onepager.pdf), sample letter (ODSVS_Letter_Template.doc), and Oregon Legislature phone list ( Legislator_Phone_List_(2).pdf) and start making calls today. Read More to email each of the committee members. The deadline is TUESDAY FEBRUARY 10th.

And, if you possibly can, please DONATE NOW. PWCL provides the most comprehensive 24/7 confidential entry point to services for domestic and sexual violence survivors in the Portland Metro-area. Supporting PWCL is an ongoing investment in the safety of your family, your friends, your coworkers, your neighbors - your community. Every dollar makes a difference!

Public Safety Subcommittee of Ways and Means Committee:
Sen. Joanne Verger, Co-Chair: North Bend, Capitol Phone: 503-986-1705 Email: (JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Rep. Chip Shields, Co-Chair: N. Portland, Capitol Phone: 503-986-1444 Email: (JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Sen. Vicki L Walker: Lane County, Capitol Phone: 503-986-1707 Email: (JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Sen. Doug Whitsett: Klamath Falls, Capitol Phone:  503-986-1728 Email: (JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Rep. Jeff Barker: Washington Co, Capitol Phone: 503-986-1428 Email: (JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Rep. Tim Freeman: Douglas Co, Capitol Phone: 503-986-1402 Email: (JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Rep. Nick Kahl: Gresham, Capitol Phone: 503-986-1449 Email: (JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Rep. Nancy Nathanson: Eugene, Capitol Phone: 503-986-1413 Email: (JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Rep. Greg Smith: Union, Wallowa, Umatilla, Morrow 503-986-1457 Email: (JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

Leadership of the Full Ways and Means Committee:
Sen. Margaret Carter, Co-Chair: NE Portland, Capitol Phone: 503-986-1722, Email: (JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Rep. Peter Buckley, Co-Chair: Ashland, Capitol Phone: 503-986-1405 Email: (JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Sen. Betsy Johnson, Vice-Chair: North Coast, Capitol Phone: 503-986-1716 Email: (JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Rep. Nancy Nathanson, Vice-Chair (see above)

Senate Leadership:
Sen. Peter Courtney – Senate President: Marion County, Capitol Phone: 503-986-1600 Email: (JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Sen. Richard Devlin – Majority Leader: Lake Oswego, Capitol Phone: 503-986-1700 Email: (JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

House Leadership:
Rep. Dave Hunt – Speaker of the House: Clackamas, Capitol Phone: 503-986-1200 Email: (JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Rep. Mary Nolan – House Majority Leader: SW Portland, Capitol Phone: 503-986-1436 Email: (JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

Thank you for your commitment to ending domestic and sexual violence. Special thanks to OCADSV, SATF, Mid-Valley Women’s Crisis Center, Partnerhsip for Safety and Justice, and Clackamas Women’s Services for drafting this information and to the Oregon Law Center for providing it to the community.