Imagine a world without violence...

from Jennifer G.    Apr 22

We believe that every human being has the right to choose their own path and we respect the choices that are made in that regard.It is our responsibility to educate our communities, society as a whole and each other about domestic and sexual violence and oppressions that contribute to this violence. We are committed to batterer accountability.  We believe that the only through a coordinated community response and the involvement of all persons can domestic and sexual violence be eliminated. We hold ourselves accountable for our own actions as well as for the choices we make with our programs.  We hold our own system as well as the systems we work with and within accountable to the needs of survivors. Respect is the cornerstone of our practices.  We respect individual choices and honor diversity.  We strive for survivor-centered best practices and cultural competency in our work. Clackamas Women’s Services affirms the right of every person to live a life free of violence.  We honor differences among women & children and make our services accessible to individuals who face discrimination for any reason.

Domestic Violence

from Maureen K.    Sep 29, 2007

I lost a very close friend to domestic violence.
She was planning a better future for herself and her children.
She lived in fear and didn't press charges.
Her husband came home one night and shot her 5 times before turning the gun on himself.
The 5 children were home at the time and watched their mom die , and then their father.
The law MUST step in when there are repeated calls to the police about the abuse when the victim is too afraid to make that decision.
I loved her and her life meant more than a headline story on the news.

Twisted idea of love...

from Matt D.    Feb 23, 2007

Violence is completely antithetical to the idea of love.  Each human being belongs in a loving, supportive relationship free of violence, coersion, and all forms of abuse, emotional, physical, and sexual.  We must work towards a society where men and women are full and equal partners, not in adversarial relationships, but rather in mutually supportive and complementary unions, and one of the first steps towards the realization of that goal is the elimination of domestic violence.  We cannot expect children to grow up to be emotionally balanced, productive members of society if they come from homes where abuse is the norm.  The cycle must be stopped.

Love

from Brittney P.    Feb 22, 2007

Some people have a misconception about what love is, especially those trapped in a violent relationship.  The cycle needs to be broken, because domestic violence affects the entire family.

Enough is enough

from Tara P.    Feb 07, 2007

Domestic violence is a vicious and vile staple in society.  No one should have to live in fear that the one that is supposed to love them the most, will hurt them.  I would love to see this come to an end.