ODSVS Fund

The ODSVS Fund is a pool of state funding for community-based services that prevent and address domestic and sexual violence. As we deepened our relationships with anti-violence organizations, it became clear that we could play a useful role in coordinating advocacy work around this goal. This became central work for our Crime Survivors for Community Safety Program.

The ODSVS Fund had been historically stuck at $2.5 million - unquestionably inadequate. Nevertheless, when it comes to money, everybody wants some and influencing the budget process is never easy. We worked closely with Oregon Law Center and the Oregon Alliance to End Violence Against Women to provide advocacy trainings for organizations across the state, visits with policymakers, and to coordinate mass mobilizations. This work included hand delivering over 2,200 postcards, representing 87 cities to the Co-Chairs of Ways and Means. The result was a $2 million dollar increase to the ODSVS Fund to bring it to $4.5 million dollars.

Once again, our members were instrumental in the success of the postcard campaign. Thanks to all of you who participated!