Crime Survivor Project Overview
Published: 2021
Download the 2021 Crime Survivor Project Overview print PDF
Purpose of this Publication
The purpose of this publication is to provide general information to individuals regarding their rights and protections under the law. This publication is not a substitute for legal advice. Federal and state law can change at any time. Contact Disability Rights Oregon or consult with an attorney in your community if you need additional help.
Over 26 percent of Oregonians report having a disability. People with disabilities experience violent crimes at a rate two to three times higher than people without disabilities. When seeking justice, individuals with disabilities who are victims of crimes are more likely to have their constitutional victims’ rights violated. Crimes committed against individuals with disabilities are:
underreported;
underinvestigated; and
underprosecuted—less than one percent of reported cases result in conviction.
Who we help
We help Oregonians of all ages with disabilities who have experienced crime—including sexual assault, physical assault, and financial abuse—even if the crime has not been reported.
How we help
Advocates and attorneys from Disability Rights Oregon’s Crime Survivor Project help to ensure crime survivors with disabilities receive the information and support, advocacy, and legal services they need to move forward, find justice, and obtain safety and stability. The project can assist clients with:
obtaining protection orders;
applications for the Crime Victims’ Compensation Fund;
conferring with police or the District Attorney’s office;
representation in the criminal trial;
assertion and enforcement of constitutional and statutory victims’ rights, including the right to be present at the trial, the right to be heard, the right to restitution, and the right to have a support person present;
obtaining needed accommodations in the criminal justice process; and
other support to help survivors stabilize their lives.
How you can help
We must increase awareness among survivors of the support services and legal services available to them. We must also work to ensure those services are accessible. You can help by:
continuing to advocate for and support survivors;
considering unique the needs of survivors with disabilities;
sharing information about DRO’s Crime Survivor Project with survivors; and
referring survivors with disabilities to the Crime Survivor Project.
How to request help
Individuals may request help directly from the Crime Survivor Project by:
Calling us at 503-243-2081 or 1-800-452-1694 ext. 243,
sending us an email at csp@droregon.org,
or, sending us a letter at:
Disability Rights Oregon 511 SW 10th Avenue,
Suite 200 Portland, Oregon 97205
Civil rights statement
Disability Rights Oregon operates its program, services, and activities in compliance with federal nondiscrimination laws.
For more information about our Crime Survivor Project, visit droregon.org/survivor
Copyright © 2021 Disability Rights Oregon
511 SW 10th Ave, Suite 200, Portland OR 97205
Voice: 503-243-2081 or 1-800-452-1694
Fax: 503-243-1738
E-mail: welcome@droregon.org
Website: www.droregon.org
Disability Rights Oregon is tax-exempt under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Contributions are tax-deductible and will be used to promote the rights of Oregonians with disabilities.
Portions of this document may be reproduced without permission, provided that Disability Rights Oregon is appropriately credited.
NOTICE: This document is not intended as a substitute for legal advice. Federal and state law can change at any time. You may wish to contact Disability Rights Oregon or consult with an attorney in your community if you require further information.
