Clackamas County Domestic Violence Program Receives National Honor

A Clackamas County program to help victims of domestic violence and their children has been honored as the best criminal justice and public safety program by the National Association of Counties.

A Safe Place Family Justice Center, which opened in December 2013, offers services including safety planning, assistance maneuvering through justice system, securing emergency shelter, and counseling to victims of domestic violence as well as victims of stalking, elder abuse, and sexual violence.

The program is a public-private partnership that brings that all together under one roof.

"By bringing together all of the resources in one location, we can make a real difference in their lives and help them break the cycle of dependency and violence," said Clackamas County Sheriff Craig Roberts.

"It's a great honor to be recognized nationally for the collaborative work of providing critical services to survivors of domestic violence and their children."

Besides the Sheriff's Office, other agencies involved include the county's Department of Health, Housing, and Human Services, this Family Justice Center brings together organizations and agencies including Abuse Recovery Ministry and Services, Catholic Charities, the Clackamas County DA's Victim Assistance Program, Clackamas Women's Services, Los Niños Cuentan, Legal Aid Services of Oregon and other legal-service providers, the State Department of Human Services, and Family Stepping Stones.

Photos courtesy Clackamas County