In a recent meeting of the Joint Committee on Ways and Means Subcommittee on Public Safety, critical discussions centered on funding for domestic violence services and the Department of Justice (DOJ) budget, highlighting urgent needs within Oregon's support systems for vulnerable populations.

Melissa Erlbaum, executive director of Clackamas Women's Services and a member of the Oregon Statewide Coalition for Domestic Violence Programs, emphasized the necessity of robust funding for two key initiatives: the Oregon Domestic and Sexual Violence Services (ODSVS) and the Survivor Housing Fund (SHF). Erlbaum described these investments as "lifelines" for survivors, noting that they provide essential support to over 50 community-based and tribal programs across the state. These programs offer trauma-informed services to individuals affected by domestic violence, sexual assault, and human trafficking, operating in diverse settings from rural to urban areas.

Erlbaum also raised concerns about impending cuts to the Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) funding, which she described as the backbone of Oregon's victim services infrastructure. She warned that without state-level investment, the progress made in supporting crime victims could be severely undermined. The urgency of these funding requests was underscored by the testimonies of various stakeholders who highlighted the increasing demand for services amid shrinking resources.

Kathleen Lamar, a child support case manager at the DOJ, echoed the need for increased staffing within the department. She pointed out that a significant reduction in full-time employees has hindered the agency's ability to provide quality services to families, particularly in establishing and enforcing child support orders. Lamar stressed that adequate staffing is crucial for helping families achieve financial stability and reducing reliance on public assistance programs.

The meeting underscored the interconnectedness of various public safety services and the pressing need for adequate funding to ensure that vulnerable populations receive the support they require. As discussions continue, the committee faces the challenge of addressing these funding gaps while maintaining essential services for Oregon's families and individuals in crisis. The outcomes of these deliberations will have lasting implications for the state's ability to protect and support its most vulnerable residents.