Oct. 31—Oregon needs an integrated, over-arching strategy to effectively combat domestic violence, as asserted by the Oregon Audits Division in their advisory report.
The division has recently released an insightful report evaluating Oregon’s efforts in addressing this critical issue and providing recommendations for improvement.[1]
It is worth noting that the timing of this report’s release is particularly relevant as October is recognized as Domestic Violence Awareness Month.
Definition
As stated in the audit, domestic violence refers to the behavior that one partner employs to exert control over the other. This includes physical, sexual, emotional abuse, threats, and economic control. Shockingly, 1 in 3 women and 1 in 4 men have faced physical abuse from an intimate partner on a national level. Moreover, over a third of adults in Oregon experience domestic violence at some point in their lives.
“Domestic violence is a deeply pervasive and immensely harmful issue that often leads to fatal consequences,” stated Kip Memmott, the Oregon Audits Director. “State government can play a more significant role in offering assistance. As auditors, we possess a unique position to provide state leaders with information and potential solutions regarding critical matters of public health and safety.”
Memmott emphasizes the need for a comprehensive range of services to address the far-reaching impact of domestic violence on victims’ lives. These services include emergency housing, legal system guidance, childcare, mental health care, and more. Achieving best practices requires a holistic and integrated approach to tackle domestic violence.
Memmott further highlights the criticality of services aimed at preventing domestic violence. Equally critical is the ability of victims and survivors to protect themselves from ongoing abuse by easily accessing the wide range of available services. However, numerous barriers hinder this access.
Key Findings from the Review
The review identifies several barriers faced by victims and survivors when accessing community services and navigating the justice system. Social welfare issues at a systemic level, such as a lack of available housing, limited access to services like childcare, mental health care, and legal assistance, often result in urgent unfulfilled needs for domestic violence victims.
Oregon advocates have reported fragmented and under-resourced social services, as well as complex criminal and civil justice systems that exacerbate access issues. Domestic violence service providers also encounter challenges such as high administrative burdens, staffing issues, and difficulties expanding equitable outreach, prevention, and intervention services.
Moreover, Oregon lacks a centralized, statewide response to domestic violence, failing to strategically address risks through data-informed prevention, intervention, or mitigation actions. The state could benefit from improved coordination of strategies, data sharing, and transformative changes across the responses of various agencies and organizations.
As stated by Memmott, Oregon’s involvement in addressing domestic violence is primarily administrative and financial. State agencies administer federal funds, including those from the Violence Against Women Act and the Victims of Crime Act, and oversee grants such as the Oregon Domestic Violence and Sexual Violence Services Fund, which supports community-based organizations providing crucial services.
However, the audit summary highlights significant challenges associated with relying on grants. According to advocates, direct funding to victims is often more beneficial, but such grants are limited. Rigid grant requirements, including restrictions on spending and outcome reporting, can impede the efforts of resource-strapped organizations.
For instance, federally funded temporary domestic violence assistance grants, which are a primary source of direct victim funding, only offer up to $1,200 over a 90-day period. Eligibility for these grants is limited to individuals who qualify for the federal Temporary Assistance for Needy Families program and are either caring for a minor child or are currently pregnant.
Originally intended to assist with emergency rent, the grant amount has not been increased since 1997, rendering it inadequate to cover current rent expenses.
Considering that addressing domestic violence necessitates an integrated approach, Memmott states that Oregon requires a similar overarching strategy to achieve success. Presently, numerous state agencies play various roles, but there is no single state agency or entity responsible for coordinating a comprehensive statewide response or measuring the overall impact of ongoing efforts.
Suggested Solutions
Auditors have recommended several solutions:
* Policymakers in Oregon should contemplate developing a statewide strategy that centralizes resources and collects data.
* Legislators could enhance stability by establishing permanent budget items for flexible state funds, including adjustments for inflation, instead of relying on one-time funding to address needs.
You can access the full report on the Secretary of State website.
