Article: Shelter, aid vital for domestic violence victims

Opinion
Marion and Polk counties, like all of Oregon, have a problem with domestic and sexual violence. In the past two years alone, more than 90 Oregonians have lost their lives as a result of domestic violence. Ten of these victims were children.

These deaths are only the tip of the iceberg, as rates of domestic violence assaults have been on the rise across Oregon in recent years. And sexual assault crimes continue to affect one in six Oregon women.

Such crimes inflict serious and lasting physical, psychological and emotional damage on victims, and too often include children. Family members, friends and communities suffer as lives are lost and children are orphaned or killed.

The lack of services for victims in need impacts Oregon in many ways. In Oregon, nearly one-third of our child welfare cases are related to current domestic violence in the home. Domestic violence is one of the leading causes of a child's removal from parental care into the foster care system. Almost one-third of cash assistance cases for low-income families (TANF) are related to a parent's attempt to escape domestic violence.

Oregon spends more than $35 million a year in health-care costs related to domestic violence. Rape is the most costly of all crimes to its victims. In 2008, researchers estimated that each rape cost approximately $151,423 in health care, counseling, lost wages and more.

We know many Oregonians truly care about these issues, yet are unsure how they can help. We know how to increase safety and save costs. Our programs need adequate funding for services to victims seeking safety. Safety services can reduce the incidence and severity of assault by more than 60 percent. In these tough budget times, we must be smarter than ever about how we invest our dollars. We urge legislators not to cut shelter and safety services for victims of violence.

We all have a role to play in providing protection for those who are in danger. When victims take the brave step of seeking shelter and help, we cannot turn them away.

People in Marion and Polk counties seeking safety from violence in the home deserve protection. Individuals and families will be safer, and our community will be stronger.

Jayne Downing of Salem is executive director for the Mid-Valley Women's Crisis Service. She can be reached at jayne@mvwcs.com. Learn more at www.mvwcs.com.Deborah Thompson of Salem is executive director for SABLE House. She can be reached at deborah@sablehouse.org. Learn more at www.sablehouse.org.