STATEMENT: On the Death of Shane Griffin

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Monday, July 07, 2014
CONTACT: Chris Wilhite, (503) 557-5820, chrisw@cwsor.org

Statement by Melissa Erlbaum, Executive Director at Clackamas Women’s Services, on the Death of Shane Griffin

“We are grieved at the news of the tragic death of Shane Griffin this morning near Molalla in Clackamas County. First and foremost, Clackamas Women’s Services would like offer its support for the family of Mr. Griffin. A Michigan study in 2005 found that children who have been exposed to family violence suffer symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder. The children and spouse of Mr. Griffin will need support from their community to re-establish a positive, nurturing and safe home.

“In addition, we would like to applaud Clackamas County Sheriff’s Office for such a quick response to an incredibly dangerous series of acts of domestic violence perpetrated by Mr. Griffin. We believe that the victim and her children were spared from the worst fate of domestic violence thanks to the Sheriff’s Office timely response.

“Domestic violence consists of a cycle of abusive and controlling behavior that escalates over time. At the center of this cycle of abuse is the abuser’s belief that they are entitled to have power and control over their victim or partner. Understanding that power and control lie at the core of domestic violence teaches us that abusers do not just snap or lose their temper. Their violence escalates as their control begins to erode. Murder is the ultimate expression of an abuser’s desire to control his/her partner. Fortunately, someone in the community called 9-1-1 in time for the Sheriff’s Office to intervene in what could have been a much greater tragedy.

“It is crucial to remember that domestic and sexual violence happens in every community and that we must all make a commitment to intervene when they know it is happening by calling 9-1-1 or by reaching out. The good news is that there is help in Clackamas County. Clackamas Women’s Services offers comprehensive sensitive solutions for adults and children impacted by domestic and sexual violence. At our secure emergency shelter, our rural outreach office and at A Safe Place Family Justice Center, CWS coordinates services with other public and private agencies in order to best serve victims and survivors seeking help.”

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