Wyden, Merkley: More than $1.37 Million to Metro Area to Address Sexual Violence

Washington, D.C.
– U.S. Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley this week announced that three
organizations and governments in the metro area will receive a combined more
than $1.37 million from the Office on Violence Against Women (OVW) to
continue to provide temporary housing, victim services and criminal
intervention after sexual violence.

“Addressing the
atrocity of sexual violence in our communities couldn’t be more urgent,” Wyden
said. “I am gratified to see local
organizations and Oregon counties get more resources to continue to provide
services to victims of sexual violence. While more needs to be done at every
level to prevent such violence, I will not stop fighting so that victims can get
the support and protection they deserve as they heal and seek accountability
for their attackers.”

“We must do
everything in our power to protect people from sexual assault and abuse,” Merkley
said.?“This funding to Portland
Community College, the Domestic Violence Resource Center in Beaverton, and
Clackamas County will support the crucial work of these organizations to keep
people safe, ensure resources are available to provide these vital services and
hold perpetrators accountable.” 

The OVW grants provide funding and resources for local
organizations and governments to respond to domestic violence, dating violence,
sexual assault, sex trafficking, and stalking. These grant funds will be
allocated as follows:

  1. Clackamas
    County: $749,779 for collaborative, effective community responses to
    sexual violence to ensure victim safety and offender accountability.
  2. Portland
    Community College (PCC): $300,000 for a comprehensive coordinated
    community approach that enhances victim safety, provides on-campus
    services for victims, and supports efforts to hold offenders accountable.
  3. Domestic
    Violence Resource Center, Inc. (DVRC): $322,500 for transitional housing,
    short-term housing assistance, including counseling, childcare,
    transportation, and life skills, educational and/or job training.

“These funds will
allow the Domestic Violence Resource Center to continue providing life-saving
services and supports to survivors of domestic violence in our community. We
are grateful to Senator Wyden and Senator Merkley for their continued support
of victims of domestic violence and sexual violence in Oregon and beyond,”
Rosemary Taylor, Executive Director of Domestic Violence Resource Center in
Beaverton said.

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