1. Domestic Violence in Multnomah County
November 2, 2010
Local Public Safety Coordinating Council

2. Domestic violence is a significant problem in the County
40-50% of all reported violent crimes
25% of reported felony violent crimes

3. Frequently the most significant contributor to violent deaths in our community
Generally 25-30% of all homicides are related to domestic violence
So far in 2010, there have been AT LEAST 16 deaths in Multnomah County related to domestic violence
Compared to 4-6 related to gangs

4. Victims have multiple barriers to Safety and Stability
83% had children, and most had young children (average age of children 8)
49% had no more than a high school degree
29% were employed
59% of those who work, had taken time off in the last six months because of domestic violence
28% had lost a job, had to quit or were fired in the last six months because of DV
68% had an income of less than $1,000 per month
90% had difficulty in meeting basic needs
40% often to sometimes did not having enough food to eat

5. Barriers, continued
They are likely to be living in an unstable or unsafe housing situation
79% had difficulty making their monthly rent payment
65% had trouble getting housing
27% had been homeless (living on the street, in their cars or in a motel
55% lived with family or friends

6. Victims had high levels of danger and were often severely impacted by the violence
71% were in extreme danger
83% met the criteria for clinical depression
94% experienced symptoms consistent with PTSD,
54% had accessed hospital/emergency medical services in previous 6 months
with the average PTSD score of 56, which is equal or higher than that of returning veterans of combat (50)

7. Victims had high rates of criminal justice involvement
Police had responded to assist 60% of the victims
47% had applied for a restraining order

8. Their children were adversely impacted by the combined housing instability and exposure to a violent perpetrator
45% of children were outside the normal range of functioning on a behavioral assessment
37% missed 6 or more days of school in the last six months
31% missed 1 or more days of school due to DV in the last six months
23% had a decline in school performance in the last six months

9. Today’s Presentations
Contested Restraining Order Hearings
An Overview of Children’s Exposure to Violence
Findings and Recommendations from the Domestic Violence Fatality Reviews