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Columbia County proclaims April 2026 Sexual Assault Awareness Month; SAFE director urges survivors to seek help
Summary
The Columbia County Board of Commissioners unanimously approved a proclamation recognizing April 2026 as Sexual Assault Awareness Month. Nadish Thomas, executive director of SAFE of Columbia County, presented local statistics and reminded residents that free, confidential services and a crisis line (503-397-6161) are available.
The Columbia County Board of Commissioners on April 1 unanimously approved a proclamation recognizing April 2026 as Sexual Assault Awareness Month in Columbia County, Oregon.
Nadish Thomas, executive director of SAFE of Columbia County, addressed the board and highlighted the organization’s work supporting survivors. Thomas said sexual and domestic violence are local problems and urged residents to seek help: "This isn't something that happened somewhere else. This is happening in Columbia County." Thomas told commissioners that in the last quarter SAFE served 197 individuals in Columbia County, including 183 women and 10 men, and described services including a crisis line, emergency shelter, court advocacy, counseling and prevention education. SAFE’s crisis line number, provided during the presentation, is (503) 397-6161 and is available daily during stated operating hours.
The proclamation, read by Commissioner McRuders, notes the county’s commitment to supporting survivors and strengthening prevention efforts in partnership with local nonprofits, law enforcement, health providers and educators. A commissioner moved approval of the proclamation and the board voted in favor; the chair said the proclamation will be signed and presented.
The board’s action formalizes Columbia County’s support for local advocacy and prevention work and signals continued collaboration with SAFE and other community partners on services for survivors.
