Across Oregon, violence survivors’ safety relies on uneven access

Oregon has some strong laws designed to prevent violence and protect survivors, including orders that allow courts to remove firearms from people who pose a serious risk. However, for many survivors, safety depends on whether shelter beds, crisis lines, and legal support are actually available when they are needed.

In 2025, this reality around access became more of an issue when federal policy changes briefly threatened key funding streams for the state's survivor programs. Although Oregon ultimately retained much of this funding after legal challenges, the uncertainty underscored how fragile support systems can be.

Why it Matters

Legal protections are only effective if people can access help in moments of crisis. Survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, and child abuse often need immediate support—safe housing, legal guidance, counseling, or a 24-hour hotline. When services are understaffed or stretched thin, delays can put survivors at greater risk. Oregon’s experience shows how safety is shaped not just by the law, but by whether communities have the resources to respond.

Background

Oregon has adopted legal measures aimed at preventing violence, including Extreme Risk Protection Orders (ERPOs). These orders allow family members or law enforcement to ask a court to temporarily remove firearms from someone who poses a serious risk. State law requires weapons to be turned over once an order is issued.

Even with these tools in place, access to safety varies widely across the state. Survivors’ ability to reach shelter, advocacy, or legal help often depends on local capacity, staffing levels, and geography—particularly in rural areas or during periods of high demand. In 2025, about 150 crime victim service organizations across Oregon faced major funding disruptions, forcing some programs to reduce staff, limit services, or place survivors on waitlists. The funds were eventually restored by the US Department of Justice in October.

Things to Know

Extreme Risk Protective Orders (ERPOs) — sometimes called “red-flag laws” — are civil court orders that temporarily require firearm surrender and prohibit new gun purchases when a person is deemed a danger to themselves or others. They help families and law enforcement intervene early when warning signs appear, offering time for de-escalation, evaluation, and support. As of 2025, 21 states and Washington, D.C. have ERPO laws. Their effectiveness, however, depends on whether communities understand the tool and use it consistently — something that varies widely across states and within them.