STATEMENT: on the Domestic Violence Shooting in Oregon City
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Tuesday, January 27, 2015
CONTACT: Chris Wilhite, (503) 557-5820, chrisw@cwsor.org
Statement of Melissa Erlbaum, Executive Director at Clackamas Women’s Services, on the Domestic Violence Shooting in Oregon City
“First, our thoughts and prayers are with Jan Marie Moffatt, the survivor of yesterday’s shooting in Oregon City. We are relieved that she is in stable condition and hope that she makes a full recovery in time. Our hearts are also with her family and community.
“Oregon laws are clear. Any act or threat of violence between intimate partners, current or former, is domestic violence. 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 we know it is happening by calling 9-1-1 or by reaching out.
“Domestic violence professionals know that it is more than a single, isolated act of violence. 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. Tragically, an attempt to take the life of a victim can be the ultimate expression of control.
“Ms. Moffatt had a restraining order against her assailant. When used with other tools, such as safety planning, counseling and legal advocacy, restraining orders can be extremely effective at keeping a survivor safe. However, domestic violence continues to exist because our society continues to tolerate abusive behavior. As long as our communities continue to tolerate domestic violence, domestic violence tragedies will continue to happen, regardless of the available tools. We all have a role to play in ending domestic violence.
“The good news is that there is help in Clackamas County. Clackamas Women’s Services offers comprehensive, responsive solutions for adults and children impacted by domestic and sexual violence. At our secure emergency shelter, our rural outreach office and as a partner at A Safe Place Family Justice Center, CWS coordinates services with other public and private agencies in order to best serve survivors seeking help. Information about CWS and partner agency resources can be found at http://www.clackamas.us/asafeplace or by calling (503) 655-8600.”
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