October 17, 2019
Today, Multnomah County Chief Deputy District Attorney John Casalino and members of the District Attorney’s Victim Assistance Program attended a ceremony where the Board of County Commissioners proclaimed October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month in Multnomah County.
“We all know that domestic violence impacts all areas of our community,” Casalino said as he spoke before the Board of Commissioners.
(Multnomah County Chief Deputy District Attorney John Casalino speaking October 17, 2019)
Earlier this week, Multnomah County Senior Deputy District Attorney Traci Anderson and Victim Assistance Program Supervisor Emily Hyde, as part of National Domestic Violence Awareness Month, presented to the county commissioners.
Commissioner Susheela Jayapal read the proclamation.
“Domestic violence is a complex and pervasive problem in our community that affects individuals across economic, racial, general, religious and societal lines,” she said. “Domestic violence is not just physical, it can include emotional, mental and financial abuse.”
During his presentation to the board, Casalino highlighted the work of Emma Kane, one of 15 victim advocates within the district attorney’s office and the lead domestic violence victim advocate. The other day, a survivor was in court with Kane for a sentencing hearing. The survivor read a victim’s impact statement that highlighted the work of the district attorney’s office, in particular Kane.
“I would have not made it this far if I didn’t have unwavering support from my advocate Emma. She has been at my side for more than a year. Emma’s communication, compassion and composure gave me strength to hang in there and keep going.”
The Multnomah County District Attorney’s Office works closely with its system-based and community-based partners to actively work towards eliminating domestic violence in our community. During her presentation earlier this week, Hyde spoke about the importance of fostering healthy relationships and providing more resources to survivors of domestic violence.
“We need intervention, we need prevention and need outreach,” Casalino told the commissioners.
The Multnomah County District Attorney’s Domestic Violence Unit is comprised of six attorneys, two legal interns, and five support staff. The office’s Mental Health Deputy District Attorney is also assigned to the DV Unit.
Survivors of domestic violence should know that there are people willing to listen and help. A survivor should never feel that they are alone. Resources are available to assist with safety planning, counseling, applying for protection orders, and many other areas.
Children are often exposed to acts of domestic violence and may even become victims of abuse or neglect themselves. Under Oregon law, it is a felony to cause physical injury to another person in the immediate presence of, or if it is witnessed by, the abuser’s or the victim’s child, stepchild or a minor child residing within the household of the abuser or victim.
If you suspect a child is being exposed to domestic violence and/or is the victim of abuse, you should report the incident to police.
Resources:
- Multnomah County District Attorney’s Victim Assistance Program: 503-988-3222
- Bradley-Angle House: 503 281-2442
- National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-SAFE (7233)
- Multnomah County Crisis Line: 503-988-4888
- Child Abuse Reporting Hotline: 503-731-3100
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Contact: Brent Weisberg, Communications Director
Phone: 503.988.6567
Email: Brent.Weisberg@nullmcda.us