Mission Statement

The Oregon Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Violence (OCADSV) promotes equity and social change in order to end violence for all communities. We seek to transform society by engaging diverse voices, supporting the self-determination of survivors and providing leadership for advocacy efforts.

Statement of Equity and Inclusion

The Oregon Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Violence believes in the right of all persons to live their lives without fear, abuse, oppression and violence. We appreciate the diversity made possible by race, ethnicity, gender identity, ancestry, place of origin, color, citizenship, religion/spirituality, sexual orientation, age, marital status, family status, political affiliation and ability.

We engage in an ongoing process of analysis that sees all systems of oppression as interrelated and work to challenge the power structures that legitimize them and perpetuate injustices. We conduct education about the impact of the various oppressions. We examine and improve practices, policies and protocols, on an ongoing basis, to ensure compliance with this statement and encourage and enable member programs in their equity and inclusion efforts.

Philosophy statement

The Oregon Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Violence (Oregon Coalition) is committed to the elimination of interpersonal violence and societal oppression.  The Oregon Coalition’s purpose is to support programs that serve survivors of domestic and sexual violence as well as stalking. Our member programs share information, training and expertise to enhance services to survivors.

Collectively, we define interpersonal violence as the use of force or threat to achieve and maintain control over others.  We believe societal oppression is the use of power to systematically create conditions that condone violent acts.  We are committed to social change as necessary to end violence and oppression. 

Collectively, we support the rights of all people to have access to information, advocacy, crisis intervention, treatment, education and prevention services.  We support the right of survivors to make choices about reporting, prosecution, pregnancy, future safety and other issues created by their experience.  We believe in self-determination, empowerment and the right of all persons to live without fear of interpersonal violence regardless of race, gender, national origin, age, ability, religion or sexual orientation.

Collectively, we are committed to removing barriers for persons of color and diverse groups in recognition of the racism, homophobia, able-bodyism and other oppressions existing in our society.

The Oregon Coalition functions through member programs that serve survivors, the general public, friends, family and all whose lives are affected by domestic and sexual violence.   We believe reaching our goal of a violence- and oppression-free society is most effectively done through: grassroots efforts; communities that hold abusers accountable; and networking along with coalition building at the local, state and national levels.