The Office of Violence Prevention (OVP) seeks to address the root causes of problems in neighborhoods rather than simply focusing on symptoms with policing resources. OVP is an independent entity within the Office of Mayor Ted Wheeler. The foundation of the office’s work is in understanding violence as a public health issue.
The office leads community-centered work focused on preventing and interrupting violence. Its director and staff provide services, coordinate resources, administer grant funds to local non-profit organizations, facilitate community conversations, and engage in community-based problem-solving.
The OVP honors the trust it has developed with its partners and various organizations throughout the community. The work conducted through the office is high-risk. Therefore, it is critical that individuals understand that OVP’s employees, partners, and contractors operate independently from any City of Portland bureau, including the Portland Police Bureau. The office proactively and collaboratively works to reduce and eliminate the need for law enforcement through community building, prevention, and intervention strategies. Independence is essential to OVP’s goals and to the safety of OVP’s employees, partners, and contractors.
The OVP invites community members, local leaders, and those who aspire to be elected officials to contact the office to learn more about its work and services. It is only through collective understanding that we can ensure the safety of OVP’s team and address root causes of violence.