About the Office of Violence Prevention

The Portland Office of Violence Prevention (OVP) focuses on preventing violence before it occurs and advancing community transformation by investing in people, communities, and solutions that address the root causes of violence. Through community partnerships, strategic investments, place-based initiatives, proactive approaches, and capacity-building efforts, OVP works to create the conditions for lasting safety, healing, resilience, and opportunity throughout Portland. Grounded in prevention and transformation, OVP supports community-led strategies that strengthen protective factors, foster connection and belonging, and promote long-term systems change. This work complements the City's broader violence reduction efforts, including the violence intervention and interruption strategies led by the Ceasefire team, creating a comprehensive approach to community safety.

OVP's prevention and transformation approach includes investing in community-based organizations and strengthening engagement through its Community Partnerships and Investments team to reduce violence and build community capacity. In addition, this work is supported through place-based efforts from the Safe Blocks Program team, which focuses on improving the safety and usability of physical spaces and connecting community members with public safety resources. OVP's approach also includes initiatives like the Rose City Self-Defense program, which helps Portlanders build individual and collective safety skills.

Across all of its programs, OVP is guided by the belief that violence is preventable, and that prevention and intervention must work in unison to reduce violence. OVP is committed to partnering with communities to identify solutions rooted in their own knowledge and lived experience, addressing the social, economic, relational, and environmental drivers of violence, and pursuing the kind of transformative, systemic change that produces lasting safety.

Restorative practices, trust, and strong relationships are also foundational to OVP's work. By investing in people, communities and programs in collaboration with public safety partners, OVP works to build a safe, resilient Portland.