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Victim Services: Crime Victims and Domestic Violence Response

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The Salem Police Department is committed to supporting crime victims in our community by offering advocacy, emotional support, information and referrals to resources. Read further to learn more about the two programs serving the Salem community.

Victim Services: Non-domestic violence crimes

Victims of non-domestic violence crimes can reach out to the Salem Police crime victim advocate (CVA), who is experienced in trauma and victim recovery. The CVA helps ensure that more crime victims have access to the services and resources they need to cope with the aftermath of a crime and understand the criminal justice process.

The CVA can help with:

  • Advocacy and emotional support
  • Counseling and Resource referrals
  • Crime Victim Compensation Program Assistance
  • Protective orders
  • Safety planning
  • Victim’s rights information

If you are a victim of a crime and would like to contact the CVA, call 503-588-6499, option 2.

Victim Services: Domestic Violence Response Team 

The Salem Police Department Domestic Violence Response Team (DVRT) works to increase victim safety, reduce trauma, connect victims with immediate and long-term resources and hold offenders accountable with support from victim advocates and officers. DVRT provides 24-hour on-scene crisis response to victims of domestic and sexual violence, as well as stalking, in Salem.

The DVRT advocates are highly trained volunteers who work closely with officers who specialize in domestic violence response and investigations. Together, they collaborate with the district attorney’s office, other law enforcement agencies and local victim resource partners.

The DVRT program aims to increase victim safety and raise offender accountability through the joint efforts of the advocates and officers. The ultimate goal is to reduce repeat domestic abuse incidents within the same household.

Victims of domestic abuse do not need to file a police report to speak with a victim advocate. Victim advocates are volunteers, not police officers. They are trained to assist in many ways, such as providing emotional support and encouragement, and helping with:

  • A safety plan specific to your situation
  • Details on protective orders
  • Information about the criminal justice system and offender arrest procedures
  • Oregon domestic abuse and stalking laws
  • Other agency referrals and resources 

Click the dropdowns below to access additional useful information.

DOMESTIC VIOLENCE DEFINED
OREGON MANDATORY ARREST
VICTIM RIGHTS, REPORTING, AND CONFIDENTIALITY
U AND T VISAS
CREATE A SAFETY PLAN
RESOURCES
COMMUNITY REFERRALS

Donate an Unused Mobile Phone and Make a Difference

911 Emergency Cell Phone Program 

You can provide a link to safety for someone who needs it. 

Recycle Your Cell Phone

Donate your gently used cell phone to the Salem Police DVRT program. Donated phones provide a lifeline to victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking for emergency access to 911. The phones are distributed at no cost and as-is, so before dropping off your device:

  • Make sure the phone is in working order with a battery and charger
  • Unlock the phone and remove any personal identification numbers or password protections
  • Erase any phone numbers or personal information saved in memory

If the donated phone is not functional, it will be recycled and sold. All profits from the sale will be used to support victims of domestic violence.

Bring your donation to the police station between the hours of 7 a.m. and 7 p.m., Monday through Friday.

Request a 911 Phone

To request a free emergency use phone, stop by the Salem Police station, 333 Division ST NE.

 

You, too, Can Make a Difference

Volunteer with the Domestic Violence Response Team

Volunteer advocates provide critical emotional support for victims and play a key role in creating a safer and healthier Salem. DVRT volunteers receive 40 hours of training and take two on-call shifts a month to provide on-scene crisis response and support for victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking. To volunteer, the following must be completed:

  • An application
  • A background check
  • An interview with the program coordinator

For more information, call 503-588-6499.