Victim Assistance

Unfortunately, once the crime has occurred, there is nothing that can be done to prevent the pain and loss already experienced by each victim. It is our goal, however, to prevent additional harm to the victim which can occur in the complicated and sometimes confusing criminal justice system. To accomplish these tasks, we are indebted to community volunteers who provide time and efforts to assist crime victims.

Crime is a community problem which requires community involvement for any adequate solution. We are always interested in comments and feedback concerning our services and actions. If you are a crime victim who has a question about the criminal case, I encourage you to call for assistance.

Several times throughout the year we recruit and train additional community volunteers. If you have a desire to help crime victims and are willing to commit some of your time, please call for information. The volunteer application is also available online. Crime can be an overwhelming and devastating problem. With the help of our community we can make a positive difference - one case at a time.

Paige Clarkson​, District Attorney​

Day Case Advocates:

 As an office we provide support for victims throughout the prosecution of a criminal case.  Advocates are avaliable Monday-Friday 8:00am-12:00pm; 1:00pm-5:00pm, contact us at 503-588-5253. All victims of crimes that are being prosecuted by the District Attorney's Office receive information about their rights as victims; opportunity to submit information about their losses for restitution; a victim impact statement questionnaire that enables them to make a statement to the court in the event of a conviction; and notification letters on the case status and disposition. We also assist victims in applying for Crime Victims' Compensation through the State of Oregon, Department of Justice and attending court with victims to further help the understanding of the criminal justice process. 

Direct Victim Services our office provides:

• Safety planning
• Explanation of victims' rights and assistance asserting victims' rights
• Explanation and assistance filing Crime Victims Compensation applications
  
• Assistance with the protective orders process
• Criminal justice advocacy
• Court accompaniment
• Accompaniment to Grand Jury
• Information, referral and assistance connecting with community resources
• Assistance with victim impact statements
  
• Emergency financial assistance

Form more information about our services and what we can help with, please contact our office at 

(503) 588-5253

In 1981, the Marion County District Attorney established the Victim Assistance Division. Over the years, our program has grown in it's mission and contributions to the community. We are proud to work closely with more than fifty volunteers in providing services to victims of violent crimes in Marion County.

Although the Victim Assistance Division is specifically charged with providing services to victims, every District Attorney staff member is committed to treating victims with dignity and respect. As an office, we believe that victims have a right to fair treatment. We have implemented procedures to advise victims of their rights and to keep victims apprised of the status of the case in which they were victimized.

We are committed to interagency collaboration that will directly benefit crime victims. Members of the VAD staff participate in such groups as the Domestic Violence Council, the Homicide/Assault Response Team (HART), the Multidisciplinary Child Abuse and Fatality Review Team, the Attorney General's Sexual Assault Task Force and the Attorney General's Victims' Rights Task Force.

We are committed to promoting a broader understanding of the victimization experience. Staff members conduct numerous public presentations and training sessions for diverse audiences throughout the state. We believe that through a concerted effort to publicly address the victimization experience, we can make a positive impact on the way victims are treated by the justice and social service systems, as well as by the community at large.

Our Mission:

"To involve crime victims and the community in a healing process that kessens the impaact of crime" 

If you have any aditional questions for our advocates that are not answered on our page, please give us a call at 503-588-5253 or come see us at our office.