March 6, 2024 – Senator David Brock Smith: Strengthening Support for Survivors of Child Abuse, Domestic and Sexual Violence
Today, the Oregon Senate passed House Bill 4140 with overwhelming bipartisan support. The bill stabilizes and increases support for kids who have experienced child abuse and survivors of domestic or sexual violence.
“Too many kids and survivors of domestic or sexual violence can’t get the help they need right now– whether that’s a safe place to live or a counselor to help them heal or just a person on the other end of the phone who can tell them there’s hope,” said Senator Janeen Sollman (DHillsboro), a survivor of domestic violence and co-chief sponsor of the bill who carried HB 4140 on the Senate floor. “This bill is going to help Oregonians escape and recover from dangerous, abusive situations.”
HB 4140 directs the Department of Justice to include in its future budget requests funds to support Children’s Advocacy Centers, the Survivor Housing Funds grant program and the Oregon Domestic and Sexual Violence Services Fund.
“Programs that support survivors and victims of child abuse and domestic and sexual violence must have stable and reliable funding if they are to continue to provide high-quality services for some of our most vulnerable community members,” said Representative Jason Kropf (DBend), who introduced HB 4140 and chairs the House Judiciary Committee. “With House Bill 4140, we are sending a clear message to the many dedicated service providers working in this space that we respect and value the work they do and are committed to helping them continue to serve our communities.”
“It is critically important that the Legislature supports Oregon’s child advocacy centers so they can meet escalating behavioral health needs and evidence-based interventions for children who experience abuse and victims of human trafficking. I am confident HB 4140 can make tangible differences for the communities and children they serve,” said Senator David Brock Smith (R- Port Orford), a co-sponsor of HB 4140.
The legislature is also considering one time appropriations to support survivors of child abuse, domestic violence, and sexual assault.
The bill now goes to the Governor’s desk for consideration.
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