THE DALLES — Wasco County Victim Services and HAVEN from Domestic & Sexual Violence are strengthening their collaborative efforts through a co-located advocacy partnership designed to improve safety, access, and support for survivors of domestic and sexual violence.
Through the partnership, an experienced HAVEN legal advocate will spend approximately 25 hours each week working alongside Victim Services staff within the Wasco County District Attorney’s Office. The advocate is bilingual and bicultural, bringing additional expertise and capacity to serve survivors who may experience language, cultural, or other barriers when navigating services and the criminal justice system.
“The partnership brings together two distinct and equally important forms of victim advocacy.” said Karen Shultz, Victim Assistance Program Director for the Wasco County District Attorney’s Office.
Victim advocates within the District Attorney’s Office are systems-based advocates, helping victims understand and navigate the criminal justice process, exercise their rights, prepare for court, access Crime Victims’ Compensation, and remain informed and supported throughout prosecution.
HAVEN advocates are community-based advocates, operating independently from the criminal justice system and providing services centered on safety, individual needs, informed choice, and self-determination.
“Co-location does not erase those distinct roles—it allows us to work more effectively because we understand and respect them.” Shultz noted.
That collaboration is especially important in high-risk domestic violence and sexual violence cases, where circumstances can change quickly. Working alongside one another strengthens our ability to respond to safety concerns, reduce barriers, coordinate services, and connect survivors with the support they need.
The partnership also reflects a shared commitment to trauma-informed, trauma-responsive, and culturally responsive advocacy. Trauma can affect safety, communication, decision-making, and a person’s interaction with systems. Effective advocacy recognizes those impacts and adapts the response to the individual survivor rather than expecting the survivor to adapt to the system.
Having a bilingual and bicultural advocate within the office further strengthens meaningful access, reduces barriers, and helps ensure survivors understand their options and can meaningfully participate in decisions affecting their safety and their lives.
“At the center of the partnership is a simple principle: survivors should not have to navigate complex systems alone—or figure out for themselves which door to walk through to get help.” Shultz added.
Wasco County Victim Services and HAVEN bring different expertise and resources to this work. By bringing those strengths together while maintaining clear professional roles, we are building a more connected response that prioritizes safety, survivor choice, meaningful access, cultural responsiveness, and dignity.
“HAVEN is very excited to offer services at yet another location. By embedding our Legal Program Coordinator within the courthouse, HAVEN strengthens its commitment to reducing barriers, increasing accessibility, and ensuring survivors never have to navigate the legal system alone. This partnership tightens the circle of support HAVEN strives to create for every survivor. It ensures that the courthouse becomes not just a place of legal procedure, rather an additional safe space where survivors can access trauma‑informed advocacy. Importantly, survivors will continue to have the option to receive services at the HAVEN office—whichever location best fits their comfort, safety, and needs.” Said Marcee Manning, Executive Director, HAVEN from Domestic Violence.
“Effective advocacy is not about one agency doing everything. It is about understanding our roles, trusting our partners, and working together to ensure every survivor is met with safety, dignity, choice, and a clear path forward.” Shultz said.
Karen Shultz, Victim Assistance Program Director, designed and implemented this partnership under direction of Kara Davis, Wasco County District Attorney.
Commented