Responding to an Oregonian OpEd about Domestic Violence

The following is a response to an earlier Op-Ed about domestic violence that contained inadequately research data about domestic violence and misinformation about United Way of the Columbia-Willamette's work with partner organizations working on the issue. The below Letter to the Editor was co-written by Melissa Erlbaum, Executive Director of Clackamas Women's Services and Marc Levy, President/CEO of United Way of the Columbia-Willamette.

Domestic violence

We would like to respond to the op-ed "Men should be more than a national afterthought" by Phillip Cook (OregonLive.com, June 1).

Domestic violence is a pattern of behaviors by one person to exert power and control over another in an intimate relationship. In a society where positions of power are still predominantly held by men, it is not surprising that the majority of perpetrators are men. According to the U.S. Department of Justice, 85 percent of domestic violence is perpetrated by men against women. However, despite their numbers, male survivors do receive services in our community. United Way of the Columbia-Willamette provided funds to Clackamas Women's Services (CWS) to lead a collaborative initiative to expand housing for survivors who face homelessness. All CWS programs are open to men.

Our community needs men as part of the movement to end domestic violence. CWS is closely involved with Oregon Men Against Violence and a variety of other male stakeholders to address these issues. Only by men and women working together can we end domestic violence. CWS and United Way invite you to get involved by contacting your local domestic violence programs.

MELISSA ERLBAUM
and MARC R. LEVY

Erlbaum is the executive director of Clackamas Women's Services. Levy is the president/CEO of United Way of the Columbia-Willamette.
 
http://blog.oregonlive.com/myoregon/2010/06/letters_economy_domestic_viole.html