Domestic Violence
Marion County Victim Assistance provides advocacy services to all victims of domestic violence regardless of race, gender identity, sexual orientation, appearance, and/or disability.
Domestic Violence - What is it?
Domestic Violence is a pattern of coercive tactics that can include physical, psychological, sexual, economic, and emotional abuse, perpetrated by one person against another person who they are in a relationship with, with the goal of establishing and maintaining power and control. It occurs in all kinds of relationships, including married couples, people who are dating, couples who live together, people with children in common, same-sex partners, people who were formally in a relationship with the person abusing them, teen dating relationships, and family relationships.
Importance of Safety Planning
It is better to plan for the worst and not to have it happen, than to be unprepared if it does. Only you can decide when/if it’s safe for you to leave a violent relationship. There are many reasons survivors choose to stay with their abusers, and it is possible to develop a safety plan regardless of whether you decide to leave or stay with your partner. Advocates can help you predict and prepare for dangerous situations you might encounter. It may be helpful to develop a specific plan for what you will do if you encounter your abuser based upon their specific violent tactics. You have the right to protect yourself when you are in danger.
You do not deserve to be abused or threatened.
If you are in an abusive and dangerous situation, please consider that there is help out there. You can get in contact with an advocate who can help you safety plan for the issues specific to your situation. You do not have to do it alone.
To speak to someone who can assist (you do not have to report a crime to talk to an advocate):
Marion County Victim Assistance: 503-588-5253 or 1-866-780-0960
Center for Hope and Safety: 503-399-7722 or 1-866-399-7722
Salem Police Department: 503-588-6499
Center for Hope and Safety
CHS (formerly Mid-Valley Women’s Crisis Service) offers a safe refuge and support to victims and survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking and human trafficking. Their programs and services inform survivors of their options and support them in their choices. A cornerstone of their philosophy is respect for the rights of all survivors, including the freedom to decide whether to report to the police the crimes committed against them. They work with survivors of any race, color, creed, religious belief, sexual orientation, or gender identity.
The Center for Hope and Safety website has a lot of great information about Domestic Violence.
Click here to view their site:
Center for Hope and Safety
Stalking
Are you being stalked by your current or former intimate partner? For more information on stalking, click here: Stalking Info Page
Remember
You do not deserve to be abused. Abuse that occurs is not your fault!
You do not cause the violence. It is the choice of your abuser to be violent.
