Victim Assistance

The staff of the District Attorney's Office is committed to successfully prosecuting and convicting guilty offenders who commit crimes in our community. We are also committed to treating victims with respect. For instance, we request that the courts order convicted offenders to pay restitution for the financial losses suffered by the victims.

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 available Monday - Friday 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., 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

On-Call Response:

We provide 24-hour on-call response for the victims of sexual assault. Our Advocates respond to reports of sexual assault at local hospitals and law enforcement agencies. Our goal in responding to calls is to support victims of sexual assault by providing information about the initial steps in the sexual assault exam process, criminal justice information, and follow-up services and resources after the initial contact.  

Our Homicide Advocate Response Team (H.A.R.T) provides 24-hour on-call response for the surviving loved ones of homicide victims. This immediate crisis intervention service is then followed by ongoing support and advocacy throughout the investigation and prosecution of the case.

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

(503) 588-5253

Victim Assistance History

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 and 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 lessens the impact of crime" 

Marion County Victim Assistance Division ​operates its program, services, and activities in compliance with federal nondiscrimination laws. No person shall, on the basis of race, color, national origin (including limited English proficiency), disability, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, or age, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be otherwise subjected to discrimination under any of our programs.  

To file a complaint of discrimination, write Office of Civil Rights, Office of Justice Programs, U.S. Department of Justice (OCR), 810 7th Street, NW, Washington, DC 20531 or call 202-307-0690 (Voice) or 202-307-2027 (TDD/TTY). Individuals who are hearing impaired or have speech disabilities may also contact OCR through the Federal Relay Service at 800-877-8339 (TTY), 877-877-8982 (Speech) or 800-845-6136 (Spanish).​