Historical Timeline

The Oregon Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Violence is a non-profit, feminist organization that was founded in 1978. The member programs that serve survivors of domestic and sexual violence in communities across the state comprise the core of the Coalition.

As an organization, the Coalition’s efforts have been directed toward providing training and technical assistance to local crisis centers and communities; engaging in systems advocacy; and supporting multi-disciplinary efforts to develop effective agency practices.

These activities promote the awareness of sexual assault and domestic violence, enhance systemic responses to victims and their families, and support innovative approaches to ending domestic and sexual violence.

1976

Restraining order bill passed

1977

Oregon became the first state to enact domestic violence mandatory arrest laws

1978

Oregon defined marital rape a crime

1978

OCADSV founded

1981

Marriage License Tax was passed by the Oregon Legislature, the result of a grassroots lobbying effort by OCADSV and the Women’s Rights Coalition

1984

Rape victim fund established by state health division

1988

US Surgeon General declared spousal abuse as the leading health hazard to women

1994

President Clinton signed the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) into law

1998

Oregon makes domestic violence assault witnessed by a child a felony

2001

Oregon Domestic & Sexual Violence Services Fund (ODSVS) established

2003

Sexual Assault Victims’ Emergency Medical Response Fund created

2007

Passed HB 2153 Evidence Preservation Bill

2008

Sexual Assault Service Program funding authorized

2011

Passed SB 557 establishing Sexual Assault Response Teams (SARTs) throughout Oregon

2013

Sexual Abuse Protection Orders (SAPOs) made available

2015

Legally privileged communications conferred upon certified Oregon community-based and campus DV/SA advocates

2018

The Coalition celebrates 40 years of supporting survivors and advocates statewide.