Who We Are
Our Victim Services Specialists work alongside investigators to guide and support victims through the process. We are unable to serve all crime victims, and we predominantly receive felony-level cases. Victim Services Specialists work with individuals 14 years of age and older who reported:
- Felony sexual assault
- Sex or labor trafficking
- Bias crimes
- Felony assault
- Robbery
- Homicide (support for families)
- Other
How We Help
We offer personalized support, including:
- Connecting survivors with community services, counseling, and government resources
- Explaining the legal process in clear terms
- Answering questions and providing updates
- Attending police meetings with survivors
- Supporting survivors throughout court proceedings
We work closely with the Multnomah County District Attorney’s Victim Assistance Program to ensure crime victims receive the help they need.
Resources for Victims of Crime
General Support
- Victim Rights Guide
- Crime Victim Compensation (CVC)
- 211 Info – Connect with local resources
- PDX 311 – Help with local government services
- Paid Leave Oregon
- Oregon Department of Human Services
- Sunshine Division – Food assistance
Crisis Support
- Multnomah County Crisis Line – 503-988-4888
- 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
- Oregon Warmline
- Call to Safety – 503-235-5333 | 1-888-235-5333
- Project UNICA – El Programa Hispano Católico – 503-232-4448
- Volunteers of America Oregon – 503-771-5503
Legal Assistance & Reporting
- Report a Hate/Bias Crime
- Bias Crime Legal Advice
- Legal Aid for Low-Income Oregonians
- U Visa Information
- Oregon DOJ Consumer Protection
- VISOR – Victim Information System
Resources for Sexual Assault Survivors
Crisis Lines and SA Specific Support
- Multnomah County Crisis Line – 503-988-4888
- 988 Crisis Line
- Call to Safety – 503-235-5333 or 1-888-235-5333
- Project UNICA – El Programa Hispano Católico – 503-232-4448
- Volunteers of America Oregon – 503-771-5503
- Compensation for Victims of Crime (CVC)
- Providence S.A.F.E. Center – Provides medical care for individuals who have experienced sexual, physical, or psychological violence.
- Slavic Oregon Social Services
Right Away: Take Care of Yourself
Your health and safety are the most important things. Here’s what you can do:
- Get Medical Care – Go to a hospital or call the Providence S.A.F.E. Center (503) 729-5814 for a Sexual Assault Kit Examination (SAFE) and medical care. Evidence can be collected up to 120 hours (5 days) of the assault. You can also get tested for injuries, STIs and pregnancy. Even if you’re unsure about reporting to the police, getting medical care is important.
- Keep Evidence Intact – If possible, try not to bathe, change clothes, or wash anything from the time of the incident.
- Make a Safety Plan – Think about steps to protect yourself from further harm.
- Get Support – Talking to someone can help. If a Victim Services Specialist (VSS) is assigned to your case, they can connect you with counseling. If not, check the resources below for help from community organizations.
Later: Preparing for an Investigation
If you decide to report now or in the future, these steps can help:
- Save Any Messages – Keep any texts, emails, social media messages, or journals related to the incident.
- Document Injuries – Take photos of any injuries as soon as possible.
- Write Down Details – If the assault happened in the past, jot down what you remember, including names of people you spoke to about it.
Resources for Families of Homicide Victims
- Dougy Center – Grief support for children, teens, and families
- Compassionate Friends – Support for families after a homicide
- GriefShare – 13-week support group
- Parents of Murdered Children – Peer support for grieving parents
- Oregon Warmline – Peer-run emotional support
- TIP Resource Guide – Trauma support resources