Interpersonal Violence Prevention and Advocacy

What is Interpersonal Violence?

Interpersonal Violence is when a person attempts to have power and control over another.  The abuse can occur through the use or threat of physical, sexual, or emotional violence, economic control, isolation, or other kinds of coercive behavior.  At the Women's Resource Center, our services focus on domestic violence and sexual assault, but we can assist students facing other types of violence in obtaining the services they need.

Our Interpersonal Violence FAQ has more information related to sexual assault and domestic violence and what to do if you or someone you know needs help; also see the Interpersonal Violence Links sidebar.

Interpersonal Violence Advocacy

Our Interpersonal Violence Advocate is available to answer questions or work with students dealing with sexual assault and domestic violence.  As an interpersonal violence advocate, they are here to:

• Provide crisis intervention, support, information, and referrals to the victim.
• Serve as a liaison between the victim and professional agencies and departments.
• Ensure that the survivor understands the systems in which she finds herself, including the roles and objectives of each agency and individuals involved in her response.
• Provide non-judgmental information to the victim regarding options.
• Provide educational information and resource materials on interpersonal violence.
• Advocate on behalf of the survivor’s self-defined needs, decisions, wishes, questions, or concerns.
• Assist the victim with accessing and understanding University policy and university and community resources and services.
• Provide information to the victim on the dynamics of interpersonal violence, including victim-blaming and trauma.
• Provide hospital/medical and/or court accompaniment.

WRC Interpersonal Violence Advocate

The coordinator of the Interpersonal Violence Prevention and Advocacy program at the WRC can be reached by phone at 503-725-5605 or through email at ipv@pdx.edu. To schedule an appointment with our advocate, please call 503-725-5672.

If this is an emergency and you need immediate assistance, please call Campus Public Safety at 503-725-4404, or 911.  If you need to talk to someone about a domestic violence or sexual assault situation outside of WRC office hours, please call the Portland Women’s Crisis Line at 503-235-5333 or toll free at 888-235-5333. 

For a listing of campus and community resources related to sexual assault and domestic violence, please go here.

Rape Victim Advocate Training - Apply by June 2

The Multnomah County District Attorney's Office is currently recruiting members for its On-Call Rape Victim Advocate Program. On-Call RVA's meet with law enforcement and the sexual assault victims at local hospitals or medical facilities to provide support and information during the forensic medical examination and law enforcement interview.

On-Call RVAs are generally scheduled one to three times per month. Shifts could be an evening (5:00 pm to 7:30 am the following day) or a Saturday or Sunday (7:30 am to 7:30 am). It is understood that:

• RVA will be able to respond to the hospital within 30 minutes of being dispatched. Due to the necessity of responding to the hospital quickly, we prefer that you live in Multnomah County.
  
  
• RVA must have reliable transportation, valid driver's license and proof of insurance.
  
  
• RVA must agree to criminal background investigation.
  
  
• Agree to one-year commitment
  
  
• Be 18 years of age or older
  
  
• Have reliable child care arrangements
  
  
• Must be able to attend all training sessions

If this is an opportunity that you are interested in, please visit the website of the District Attorney's Office for more information. Applications must be received by June 2, 2008. Class size is limited.

Interpersonal Violence Education and Prevention

The WRC offers many events, trainings, and discussion groups related to interpersonal violence throughout the year. Please check back so to find out more about what programming we will be offering during the 2007-2008 school year.