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Director's Message
October 8, 2004
To: DHS Employees
From: Gary Weeks, Director
Saving Lives
A young woman, after repeated verbal and physical attacks, is running for her life.
Frantically, she bundles up her three children and manages to get to a shelter only to find her abuser has tracked her down, saying he is coming to kill her. She manages to get moved to yet another shelter, knowing it is only a matter of time before she is tracked down again. Fearful for her life and the safety of her children, she finds additional help -- and is transported and moved out of state and far enough away from her daily torment.
Although this may read like a scene from a movie, this scenario is real. It happened in Oregon and thanks to the help of the Oregon Department of Human Services and its Domestic Violence funding and programs, this family is thriving. Nothing we do is more important than saving lives.
Domestic Violence cuts across every line of geography and income level and unfortunately is found in every community in our state. It can take many forms including emotional abuse, economic abuse, physical abuse, sexual abuse and using children, threats, intimidation, isolation and a variety of other behaviors to maintain fear, intimidation, and power.
And it's not just limited to the stereotyped young troubled married couple. Each year, Oregon DHS Adult Protective Services investigates more than 10,000 reports of abuse, exploitation, and/or neglect to elders and people with disabilities. It also impacts children who may witness this abuse.
Domestic Violence Awareness
This month, the department focuses extra time and effort on Domestic Violence Awareness - through a variety of speakers, events, and special sales. Try to participate in these activities if you can and become better informed on this pervasive issue. (Contact Shelly Watts for more information on HSB activities, shelly.watts@state.or.us)
But you should also know that the department works year round on Domestic Violence and related abuse issues. Many parts of DHS work on this, either directly or indirectly, by providing services or support and resources. Here are just a few of the things we do at DHS and in working with our community partners:
- Provide funds to help families escape and stay free from domestic violence through the Temporary Assistance for Domestic Violence Survivors Program.
- Coordinate statewide trainings for prosecutors, law enforcement, judges, court personal and others involved in criminal justice related to the special needs of elders and people with disabilities who are victims of domestic violence, abuse, and sexual assault.
- Help counties in the development of multi-disciplinary prevention teams -- taking a big picture approach and providing a forum for evaluating how well communities are serving vulnerable citizens.
Improving our Practices
DHS has appointed a work group to review and form recommendations on department-wide policies and practices on responding to abuse. Members of this group represent seniors, people with disabilities, child welfare, health services, human resources, and communications.
The department's response to abuse has varied depending on the population involved. This group will identify best practices that could be shared across program areas and improve processes and consistency department-wide.
Besides all of the hard work many of you throughout the department are doing directly relating to domestic violence and related abuse, we all can be more vigilant about this issue.
You can help someone you work with or someone you know who may be facing this situation by talking to them about the various resources available. The Domestic Violence Hotline also operates 24-hours-a-day, 7-days-a-week at 1-800-799-SAFE.
For more information check the Domestic Violence Web Site and the Get Help Now page
Protecting yourself from the flu
I'm sure you've heard the news reports about the influenza vaccine shortage facing the United States and the steps we have had to take at DHS relating to the supply of vaccine.
There are some things you can do, during times of vaccine shortages, to protect yourself and others from influenza. Here are some tips, courtesy of DHS Public Health:
- Wash your hands frequently with soap and warm water or an alcohol-based hand washing product.
- Teach children how to wash their hands.
- Cover your nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing, preferably with a facial tissue.
- If you are ill, avoid exposing others by staying at home until you are no longer symptomatic.
Food for thought
"Many of life's failures are people who did not realize how close they were to success when they gave up."
Thomas A. Edison (1847 - 1931)
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This message is intended for all Department employees. Please read it electronically, if possible. Managers and supervisors are asked to share the message each week with employees who do not have email access.
If you have a disability and need a document on this Web site to be provided to you in another format, please send an email to dhs.forms@state.or.us or call (503) 945-7021, fax (503) 373-7690 or TTY (503) 947-5080. If you know of others who need this accommodation, please let them know it is available.
Oregon Department of Human Services
Director's Office
500 Summer St. NE E15, Salem, OR 97301-1097
Phone: (503) 945-5944
Fax: (503) 378-2897
TTY: (503) 947-6214
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