On October 16, 2013, 15 parole/probation officers (PPOs) from the Department of Community Justice (DCJ) Adult Services Division participated in the 11th Annual Family Violence Apprehension SWEEP. Their efforts resulted in 12 arrest warrants served, 1% of the nationwide total. Across country, nearly 700 law enforcement members participated and 780 arrest warrants were served.
The annual sweep takes place during Domestic Violence Awareness month and brings attention to the problem of domestic violence throughout the country. DCJ has participated in this event for eleven straight years. The Domestic Violence Unit is the largest DCJ unit. PPOs are specially trained to work with domestic violence offenders as well as victims.
This event provides an opportunity to bring in our partners, such as Portland Police, Multnomah County Sheriff's Office, US Marshals and Victim Advocates, to work together to respond to domestic violence. As Laurie Ritchie, District Manager overseeing the unit, points out “Not only was DCJ able to apprehend 1% of all arrests nationally, 25% of the victim advocates participating nationally were from our shop. Research is clear that a coordinated community response is a best practice in responding to domestic violence.”
Another event taking place during Domestic Violence Awareness month is a resource fair hosted by the Multnomah County Domestic Violence Coordination Office. The fair will take place from 9 a.m. to noon on Tuesday, Oct. 29 in the Pine Room of the Lincoln Building, 421 S.W. Oak St., Portland and is open to all Multnomah County staff and community partners. Community Providers will be on hand to share information and answer questions and attendees will be able to enjoy food and beverages, and enter to win prizes.
The Portland Women's Crisis Line at (503) 235-5333 is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
For additional resources visit:
- DCJ Domestic Violence Unit
- Domestic Violence Resources