All news stories

What are you excited about and proud of with your organization? What are some goals you hope to achieve?

Education is the key to ending domestic and sexual violence within our community. Community awareness, social accountability and change all stem from education. Marta’s House is committed to making sure that our community has access to the most update information and education. Our Education/Outreach Coordinator has been working hard to bring awareness to the community for over 6 years specifically in presenting in Domestic and Sexual Violence, Trafficking and other forms of abuse.

Marta’s House brought the "Start By Believing" campaign to Klamath County in 2014, this campaign focuses on believing the victim from the time they walk in the door to the time we complete services with them.

Domestic Violence Awareness Month (DVAM) is a busy time for community-based domestic/sexual violence (DV/SA) organizations/programs. Staff of these organizations work tirelessly to hold events that increase awareness and understanding of the dynamics of domestic violence, advertise and explain their advocacy services, and raise funds to continue to provide services throughout the year. When I worked in a community-based dv/sa program, I remember all of our staff members coming together to pull off multiple events in a short period of time. All hands were on deck to spotlight who we were and who we work with in our community. While this is already a busy time for advocates, it is also the perfect time to reflect on the history of the dv/sa movement. We can find ways to set space to come together throughout the year to collaborate and support one another in the work that we do.

This October, for Domestic Violence Awareness Month (DVAM), we are pleased to announce our campaign of Spark Hope Ignite a Movement! 

Historically and currently we are in a time when survivors are breaking their silence, they are breaking their isolation and demanding change. Collectively, we need a clear message about the impact of domestic violence on our communities.  

Dear community partners and members,

The Oregon Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Violence (OCADSV) cautions the use of the at-home rape kits provided by MeToo Kit company. The MeToo Kit company, as mentioned on their website "is founded on the principle that [survivors] should be able to take back control." However, OCADSV believes that the at-home kits have the potential to cause harm to survivors.

What is your most memorable story? 

One of the moments that has impacted us the most was sitting in court watching a young woman representing herself in a hearing for the contested Family Abuse Protection Act order. She spoke on her own behalf with confidence and strength. She did not allow the glares and muttered comments of her former partner to bother her, nor did the fact that he had an attorney to assist him.

How do you address organizational barriers?