Portland Community College | Portland, Oregon

U.S. Senators Wyden and Merkley announce PCC awarded $300,000 to address sexual violence

Photos and story by James Hill

U.S. Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley this week announced that three organizations and governments in the metro area will receive a combined more than $1.37 million from the Office on Violence Against Women (OVW) to continue to provide temporary housing, victim services and criminal intervention after sexual violence.

¡°Addressing the atrocity of sexual violence in our communities couldn¡¯t be more urgent,¡± Wyden said. ¡°I am gratified to see local organizations and Oregon counties get more resources to continue to provide services to victims of sexual violence. While more needs to be done at every level to prevent such violence, I will not stop fighting so that victims can get the support and protection they deserve as they heal and seek accountability for their attackers.¡±

¡°We must do everything in our power to protect people from sexual assault and abuse,¡± Merkley said.?¡°This funding to Portland Community College, the Domestic Violence Resource Center in Beaverton, and Clackamas County will support the crucial work of these organizations to keep people safe, ensure resources are available to provide these vital services and hold perpetrators accountable.¡±

The OVW grants provide funding and resources for local organizations and governments to respond to domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, sex trafficking, and stalking. These grant funds will be allocated as follows:

1. Clackamas County: $749,779 for collaborative, effective community responses to sexual violence to ensure victim safety and offender accountability.

2. Portland Community College (PCC): $300,000 for a comprehensive coordinated community approach that enhances victim safety, provides on-campus services for victims, and supports efforts to hold offenders accountable.

3. Domestic Violence Resource Center, Inc. (DVRC): $322,500 for transitional housing, short-term housing assistance, including counseling, childcare, transportation, and life skills, educational and/or job training.

¡°These funds will allow the Domestic Violence Resource Center to continue providing life-saving services and supports to survivors of domestic violence in our community. We are grateful to Senator Wyden and Senator Merkley for their continued support of victims of domestic violence and sexual violence in Oregon and beyond,¡± Rosemary Taylor, Executive Director of Domestic Violence Resource Center in Beaverton said.