By: Stephanie Blair Editor-in-Chief
Domestic abuse and sexual assault survivors, advocates and loved ones of survivors gathered on the Oregon Capitol building’s steps on Feb. 22 to support the services and protections infor survivors of domestic and sexual violence.
Despite the low-number of attendees and the cool, overcast weather, the crowd was lively and garnered a large amount of television coverage.
The rally began with speeches from various survivors and state officials, after which some attendees went into the capitol building to speak with senators and house representatives, as well as to find more information about how to support the Oregon Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Violence and the Oregon Attorney General’s Sexual Assault Task Force, who partnered to organize the rally.
The mission statement of the OCADVS, a non-profit founded in 1978, as stated on their website is to promote “… equity and social change in order to end violence for all communities.” The coalition aids crisis centers and other resource centers for victims with training, connection to other centers and communities as well as providing other technical support, like posting job opportunities on their website.
The other sponsor of this event, Oregon Attorney General’s Sexual Assault Task Force, has three main programs: the Prevention Program, the Sexually Assault Training Institute and the Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner Program. These three branches each help to provide training and resources for organizations and communities.
According to the OCADVS, one in four women and girls in Oregon will experience domestic violence in their lifetime and one in five are sexually assaulted in their lifetimes.
On campus, Abby’s House provides resources for those struggling with or who have been affected by sexual and relationship violence. Trained student advocates are available to aid those in need.
If you would like to volunteer with Abby’s House, contact them by email at abbyshouse@wou.edu or by phone at 503-838-8219. Information is also available at the Abby’s House office, located in room 106 of the Werner University Center.
Contact the author at journaleditor@wou.edu
