On April 11, 2019, the Multnomah County Board of Commissioners proclaimed the week of April 7 through April 13, 2019 as “National Crime Victims’ Rights Week” in Multnomah County.
Multnomah County District Attorney Rod Underhill read the proclamation, which can be read by clicking here.
“I would like to commend this Board for once again recognizing National Crime Victims’ Rights Week,” District Attorney Underhill said. “I very much appreciate the opportunity to come before Multnomah County’s Board of Commissioners and to reflect on the good work that is happening right now. Much of the work we do at the Multnomah County District Attorney’s Office is providing services to victims of crime by educating them about their constitutional and statutory rights, and to provide compassionate guidance and support throughout the legal process.”
(Photo: Montoya Nakamura/Multnomah County)
The Multnomah County District Attorney’s Office is committed to workplace diversity and equity.
“Our office provides outstanding services to many different people and populations within Multnomah County in a manner that is culturally and linguistically competent and trauma informed,” District Attorney Underhill said.
There are currently 12 victim advocates assigned to the Multnomah County District Attorney’s Office Victim Assistance Program. Of those 12, half are bilingual.
“It is imperative that all staff work with a full awareness of the ways in which the justice system impacts people and populations,” District Attorney Underhill said. “Our victim advocates work hard to eliminate cultural and other barriers that prevent victims from realizing and fully utilizing their legal rights in the criminal justice system.”
Emily Hyde, the program supervisor of the Multnomah County District Attorney’s Office Victim Assistance Program, said victim advocates and deputy district attorneys play critical roles in making sure that victims of crime understand the criminal justice process, their rights and what they can expect at each stage.
“This allows them to make informed decisions and to participate in a meaningful way,” Hyde said. “For someone who has been victimized, finding and expressing their voice in this process can be difficult. Having a deputy district attorney, a victim advocate and even a judge listen to their perspective and to consider that in the decision making process is extremely important. It can also be empowering and validating.”
Resources:
- Multnomah County District Attorney’s Office Victims’ Rights Guide
- Multnomah County District Attorney’s Office Victim Assistance Program | 503-988-3222
Contact: Brent Weisberg, Communications Director
Phone: 503.988.6567
Email: Brent.Weisberg@mcda.us