District Attorney

Victims have the right to a meaningful role in the criminal justice process. Victim Assistance helps individuals understand and exercise their rights under Oregon law and the Oregon Constitution. 

Core rights include: 

• The right to have a meaningful role in the criminal or juvenile justice process
• The right to be treated with dignity and respect
• The right to fair and impartial treatment
• The right to reasonable protection from the offender 

Some rights are automatic, while others must be requested. Advocates inform victims of their rights as early as possible. Rights apply during an investigation, after arrest, throughout court proceedings, and after conviction. 

For questions or help exercising your rights, contact Victim Assistance at 503-655-8616 or victimsassistance@clackamas.us. 

Victim Rights in Oregon

Below is an overview of your rights as a victim under Oregon law. It is your responsibility to exercise your rights at each step of the process.

When criminal charges are filed

Protection and Participation

• You have the right to be reasonably protected from the defendant throughout the criminal justice process. 
  Or. Const. art. I, § 43(1)
• You have the right to be present at any critical stage of the proceedings in open court when the defendant is present. 
  If you request it, you have the right to be informed in advance of these hearings and to be heard at pretrial release hearings and sentencing hearings. 
  Or. Const. art. I, § 42(1)(a); ORS 419C.273(1)(a) 

When the defendant appears in court

Your Privacy 

• If you request , your current address and phone number the court must bkeep that information confidential from the defendant. 
  ORS 135.970(1); ORS 135.815 

Your Choice to Participate 

• You have the right to refuse interviews, depositions, or other requests from the defendant or anyone acting on their behalf. 
  Or. Const. art. I, § 42(1)(c); ORS 135.970(3)
• You have the right to know the identity of anyone working for the defendant who contacts you. 
  You can speak with the defense, but you have the right to refuse to speak with them or request that a deputy district attorney be present when you speak with them. 
  ORS 135.970(2) 

In Violent Felony Cases 

• If you request it, you have the right to be consulted about plea negotiations. 
  Or. Const. art. I, § 42(1)(f) 

Court Scheduling 

• If you request it, you have the right for your schedule to be taken into consideration when there are changes to court dates where your presence is required (including pretrial and trial). 
  ORS 136.145 

Access to Records 

• You have the right to request and purchase a transcript of any opencourt proceeding (if one exists). 
  Or. Const. art. I, § 42(1)(e); ORS 147.419
• If you request it, you have the right to receive information about the offenders:
  • conviction
  • sentence
  • imprisonment
  • criminal history
  • future release from custody 
     
    • Or. Const. art. I, § 42(1)(b) 

At sentencing

• If you request, you have the right to give a Victim Impact Statement to the court at the time of sentencing. 
  You may speak yourself, have a guardian or next of kin speak, ask the deputy district attorney to speak for you, or have your own attorney make the statement. 
  Or. Const. art. I, § 42(1)(a)
• You have the right to ask the judge to consider ordering a compensatory fine to be paid to you. 
  ORS 137.101
• You have the right to receive restitution from the offender for your losses. 
  Article 1. Section 42(1)(d) and ORS 137.106(1) 

After sentencing

Parole Hearings 

• If you request it and provide your address to the Board of Post-Prison Supervision, you have the right to be notified of and appear at parole hearings. 
  ORS 144.750(2)(a) 

Notice of Release 

• If you request it, you have the right to be notified 30 days before the offender is released from prison. 
  ORS 144.260(2)-(3) 

What is human trafficking?

The Polaris Project, a survivor-centered, justice- and equity-driven organization, defines human trafficking as “the business of stealing freedom for profit.” Traffickers may use deception, coercion, threats, or physical force to exploit victims for sex or labor under inhumane, illegal, or unacceptable conditions. Globally, human trafficking affects 24.9 million people and generates billions of dollars in criminal profit. 

Polaris operates the U.S. National Human Trafficking Hotline, connecting survivors to support and services, helping communities hold traffickers accountable, and maintaining the largest known dataset on human trafficking in North America. This data informs strategies to prosecute traffickers, support survivors’ recovery, and address systemic vulnerabilities. 

Human Trafficking in Clackamas County 

In 2015, the Clackamas County District Attorney’s Office began assessing the human trafficking issue locally. Meetings with regional and national experts confirmed that trafficking affects individuals of all ages, genders, ethnicities, and socio-economic backgrounds. 

“Our main goal at the Clackamas County District Attorney’s Office is to provide justice and safety to crime victims and our community. Combatting human trafficking is a major part of that mission,” said District Attorney John Wentworth. 

Senior Deputy District Attorney Stacey Borgman leads the Human Trafficking team. 

Partnerships and the Multidisciplinary Team (MDT) 

In 2015, the District Attorney’s Office formed a Human Trafficking Work Group, partnering with local law enforcement, the Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children Coalition, and other agencies. This group evolved into the Clackamas County Human Trafficking Multidisciplinary Team (MDT), one of the first certified by the Oregon Department of Justice. 

The MDT meets monthly with law enforcement, non-governmental organizations, the juvenile department, the Department of Human Services, and other partners. Subcommittees focus on: 

• Law Enforcement
• Victim Services
• Training and Outreach
• Data Collection
• Labor Trafficking 

The District Attorney’s Office chairs the MDT, (HTMDTLE), and the Steering Committee. The MDT develops protocols and guidelines for identifying victims, responding to cases, investigating, prosecuting, and providing a continuum of care. It also provides training to law enforcement, hospitals, hotels, and community organizations. 

Diversion and Education Programs 

• Community Court Diversion 
  The District Attorney’s Office integrated a diversion program for individuals engaging in prostitution, connecting them with counseling, mentorship, and support services. Hundreds of victims have benefited from this program.
• Sex Buyers Accountability and Diversion (SBAD) Program 
  In partnership with the Milwaukie Police Department, this program educates individuals who purchase sex about the impact of their actions. Funds generated through SBAD support local trafficking victims and related services. 

Since 2016, law enforcement has taken a proactive approach to investigating trafficking, conducting organized operations to locate victims and hold traffickers and buyers accountable. 

 Victim Assistance 

Victim Assistance provides support for survivors during prosecution and through the Human Trafficking MDT. Leaving a trafficking situation can be extremely difficult due to factors such as: 

• Stockholm Syndrome
• Debt bondage
• Isolation
• Fear of authority or retribution
• Embarrassment or shame 

Signs a person may be a trafficking victim include: 

• Chronic runaway behavior (minors)
• Prior or current DHS involvement
• Poor school attendance
• Unexplained bruises or injuries
• Scripted or inconsistent answers
• Frequent travel along the I-5 corridor
• Unusual relationships, e.g., with much older partners
• Tattoos, branding, or gang affiliation
• Clothing inappropriate for the weather 

Victim Assistance provides immediate crisis intervention, on-scene response, safety planning, ongoing support, and referrals. Advocates are available 24/7 at 503-655-8616. 

Additional Resources

Safety Compass
971-235-0021 (24 hrs)
Immediate response and ongoing support for survivors of the sex industry in Clackamas, Marion and Washington counties.

A Village for One
503-730-1469
Provides outpatient mental health services to youth, ages 25 and under, in Clackamas and Marion counties who are victims of trafficking or at high risk for trafficking.

National Human Trafficking Hotline
1-888-373-7888
The National Human Trafficking Hotline connects victims and survivors of sex and labor trafficking with services and supports to get help and stay safe. The Trafficking Hotline also receives tips about potential situations of sex and labor trafficking and facilitates reporting that information to the appropriate authorities in certain cases.

National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC)
1-800-843-5678
TTY: 711
Text: 233733
National hotline for reporting missing children and suspected child victims of sex trafficking.

The Animal Abuse prosecutors handles all misdemeanor and felony animal cruelty cases in Clackamas County. Their role is to ensure that individuals who harm animals are held accountable and that abused animals receive protection and justice. 

Working With Law Enforcement and OHS 

The prosecutors works closely with the Oregon Humane Society and local law enforcement agencies. Together, they: 

• Guide and support animal abuse investigations
• Review evidence and file appropriate criminal charges
• Coordinate with officers, veterinarians, and other experts throughout the case 

Ensuring Justice for Animals 

Accountability can take several forms, depending on the case: 

• Criminal convictions for individuals who commit acts of abuse or neglect
• Probation conditions that prevent offenders from owning or possessing animals
• Civil processes that allow the state to remove animals from unsafe or abusive environments 

These tools help protect animals, prevent future harm, and reinforce the community’s commitment to animal welfare. 

Make a report of animal cruelty

Abuse of adults over the age of 65 affects some of our most vulnerable community members. Elder abuse can occur at home, in nursing homes, or other care facilities, and may be committed by family members, caregivers, acquaintances, or professionals in positions of trust. 

Types of Elder Abuse 

• Physical Abuse: Slap marks, unexplained bruises, pressure marks, burns (e.g., cigarette burns)
• Neglect: Pressure ulcers, poor hygiene, lack of medical care, malnutrition, or dehydration
• Emotional Abuse: Withdrawal, unusual behavior, or unexplained changes in alertness
• Sexual Abuse: Bruises around breasts or genital area, or unexplained sexually transmitted diseases
• Financial Abuse/Exploitation: Sudden changes in finances, altered wills/trusts, unusual bank activity, or loss of property 

Protections and Support 

• Protective Orders: Elderly Persons and Persons with Disabilities Protective Order (EPPDAPA)
• Victim Assistance: Call 503-655-8616 for help applying for protective orders and accessing support 

Reporting Elder Abuse 

• Law Enforcement
• Adult Protective Services (APS): 971-673-6655 

Additional Resources 

• Clackamas County Social Services – Senior Resources
• Call 503-650-5622 

Victim Assistance provides guidance, support, and information for victims and non-offending family members. 

If a child is in immediate danger, call 9-1-1.

If you suspect abuse, contact law enforcement or the Oregon Department of Human Services Child Abuse & Neglect Reporting Line: 1-855-503-7233. 

Victim Advocates in the District Attorney’s Office are mandatory reporters and must report suspected child abuse. You can speak with an advocate 24/7 at 503-655-8516. 

What Is Child Abuse? 

Child abuse includes neglect, physical abuse, and sexual abuse involving anyone under age 18. Abuse is often committed by someone the child knows, including family members. 

Learning a child has been abused can be overwhelming. Our Victim Assistance team supports children and the adults who care for them throughout the healing process. 

How Victim Assistance Helps 

Throughout the investigation and court process, a Victim Advocate will: 

• Stay in regular contact with the child’s parent or caregiver to provide information and support.
• Help the child or family connect with law enforcement and the assigned Deputy District Attorney.
• Explain what to expect during each step of the criminal justice process.
• Assist families in understanding and exercising their rights.
• Attend meetings and court hearings with the child or their family.
• Connect families with supportive services, including:
  • Crime Victim Compensation for medical or counseling costs not covered by insurance.
  • Children’s Center of Clackamas County for medical exams and forensic interviews.
  • Counseling referrals based on the child’s needs.
  • DHS Self-Sufficiency resources for financial assistance. 

Under Oregon law (ORS 163.415), sexual abuse is defined as any non-consensual sexual contact, including acts involving physical force or threats that place someone in fear of immediate or future harm. Common terms include rape, sexual abuse, and sodomy. 

Understanding Reactions 

There is no “normal” reaction to sexual abuse. Survivors may feel overwhelmed, numb, anxious, angry, or out of control. Reactions can include difficulty concentrating, interacting with others, sleeping, or eating. 

Medical Care 

Even without visible injuries, it is important to seek medical attention immediately. A sexual assault examination: 

• Can include preventive treatment for STDs and HIV
• Preserves potential physical evidence for later reporting
• May be covered by the Sexual Assault Victims’ Emergency (SAVE) fund if performed within 7 days of the assault 

You do not need to report to police to receive an exam. 

Victim Advocate Support 

Victim Advocates provide emotional support, resources, and advocacy whether or not you report the assault to law enforcement. They can: 

• Explain reporting options
• Support you during a medical exam
• Help access funds for medical care
• Provide information, referrals, and safety planning
• Assist with filing protective orders 

If you report to law enforcement, advocates can also: 

• Support you through the criminal justice process
• Notify you of court hearings and outcomes
• Accompany you to court and meetings with police or prosecutors
• Help you understand and exercise your victim rights
• Provide ongoing resources and safety planning 

Victim Assistance Contact 

Phone: 503-655-8616 (24/7) 
Email: victimsassistance@clackamas.us 

Domestic Violence Support 

Domestic violence is a pattern of controlling behavior used by an intimate partner or family member to gain power over another. It can affect anyone—regardless of age, race, religion, education, or income. 

Abuse can be physical, sexual, emotional, economic, or psychological. Common examples include: 

• Extreme jealousy or monitoring your whereabouts
• Isolating you from friends or family
• Physical harm such as hitting, pushing, kicking, or strangling
• Threatening you with weapons or objects
• Forcing sexual acts
• Controlling your ability to leave
• Restricting access to money or basic needs
• Interfering with your job or causing employment problems 

If you or someone you care about is experiencing domestic violence, Victim Assistance is here to help. 

How We Support Victims and Families 

Our office provides confidential, trauma-informed support, including: 

• Immediate emotional and physical support after a crime
• Personalized safety planning
• Help applying for protective orders
• Guidance and support when reporting to law enforcement
• Information about your rights as a victim of crime
• Ongoing support and accompaniment throughout the criminal justice process
• Referrals to community resources such as counseling, shelters, and advocacy services
• Assistance applying for Crime Victim Compensation for medical or counseling costs
• Help requesting restitution for out-of-pocket expenses 

If you need support for yourself or a loved one, please contact us. You are not alone. 

Victim Assistance 

Phone: 503-655-8616 (24 hr.)  
Email: victimsassistance@clackamas.us