The Multnomah County Board of Commissioners unanimously adopted a proclamation Oct. 31 declaring October 2024 Domestic Violence Awareness Month.

Chair Vega Peterson read the proclamation noting domestic violence’s varied forms—physical, emotional, financial—and the disproportionate effects on marginalized groups. Alex Sanchez, senior manager for domestic and sexual violence coordination in the county’s youth and family services, introduced a panel of advocates and service providers. Rebecca Liedeker of the Multnomah County District Attorney’s Victims Assistance Program described program supports such as the Department of Justice Address Confidentiality Program and collaborations with community advocates. Tiffany Thomas Geiss, director at Bradley Angle and a survivor, urged culturally specific services and attention to disparities; she cited that Black women make up about 5.4% of the county population but account for a disproportionately large share of those seeking services. Betsy Glickman of Call to Safety described annual service volumes — including 28,000 crisis‑line contacts in the last year — and the prevalence of vicarious trauma among staff.

Commissioners commented in support. Commissioner Myron (noting this is his final year on the board) and others praised survivor‑led advisory structures and urged the county to move from proclamation to funding decisions that match need. Several commissioners stressed the links between domestic violence, homelessness and gun violence and asked the county to prioritize investments in survivor supports and living wages for advocates.

The proclamation was adopted by roll call vote.