1. Victim and Witness Rights
- Oregon Department of Justice – Crime Victims’ Services
Offers information about victim rights, compensation, and access to legal and emotional support during investigations and prosecutions. - Oregon Crime Victims’ Compensation Program
Provides reimbursement for expenses related to a crime, such as counseling, relocation, and medical bills.
2. Free and Low-Cost Legal Aid Programs
- Oregon Law Help
Offers legal information, self-help tools, and free legal aid referrals for issues such as stalking, abuse, and protective orders. - Legal Aid Services of Oregon
Provides free civil legal assistance to low-income individuals experiencing domestic violence, defamation, harassment, or stalking.
3. Relevant Laws
- Stalking: ORS § 163.732
What it means: Repeated and unwanted contact that causes fear for personal safety or the safety of others. Includes physical following and cyberstalking. - Harassment: ORS § 166.065
What it means: Subjecting another person to offensive physical contact or communicating with the intent to harass, annoy, or alarm. May involve digital or in-person contact. - Bullying: No adult criminal statute. Covered under ORS § 339.351 – § 339.364 (Safe Schools Act)
What it means: Requires all schools to implement policies addressing bullying, cyberbullying, harassment, and intimidation. Must include complaint processes and disciplinary procedures. - Defamation: Civil tort, not criminal. Based on Oregon case law.
What it means: Victims may file a lawsuit for libel or slander if false statements result in harm. There are no criminal penalties for defamation in Oregon.
4. Reporting and Hotlines
- Call 911 in emergencies or if personal safety is threatened.
- Non-emergency incidents can be reported to local law enforcement or the county circuit court.
- Oregon Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Violence (OCADSV)
Connects survivors to shelters, legal advocates, and culturally specific support programs statewide. - Statewide Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-7233
24/7 confidential support and referrals for those in crisis.
5. Support Organizations
- Oregon Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Violence
Statewide resource connecting survivors to trauma recovery, legal aid, and transitional housing assistance. - Call to Safety
Offers emergency support, safety planning, and crisis response services in the Portland metro area.
6. Civil Remedies and Protection Orders
Victims in Oregon may file for a Stalking Protective Order, Sexual Abuse Protective Order, or Family Abuse Prevention Act (FAPA) Order. These court orders can prohibit contact, monitor offender behavior, and enhance safety. Legal Aid and court staff can help complete and submit necessary forms.
Important Note on Jurisdiction: If the individual you are seeking a restraining order against lives in a different state, your local court may not have jurisdiction to enforce that order. In most cases, you must file for protection in the state where that individual resides or where the conduct occurred. This applies even in situations involving online harassment, defamation, or stalking. Contact legal aid services in both your state and the other person’s state for guidance.
7. Youth and School Resources
- Oregon Department of Education – Bullying & Harassment Prevention
Offers guidance to schools and parents on how to prevent, report, and respond to student bullying and harassment.
8. Court Forms and Filing Help
- Oregon Judicial Department – Abuse & Protective Orders
Access court forms, eligibility information, and filing instructions for protective orders and harassment cases.
9. Online Safety and Privacy Tools
- NNEDV Tech Safety Toolkit
Digital security resources for survivors of online abuse, including identity protection and anti-tracking tools.
Disclaimer: This information is provided for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.
