After a temporary absence, one of Portland's most imperative resources for the domestically abused has been reinstated. Originally established in 1972, the Portland Crisis Line collapsed in February when its own, domestic spats pulled apart the program; due to internal politics, the entire staff was fired by then-Executive Director Kris Peters.

But after Peters resigned, dedicated volunteers have slowly rebuilt all programs and, since February, the organization has voted in a new temporary board and re-established the crisis phone lines.

Yet, although the lines have been successfully re-established, those seeking its support undoubtedly suffered. Though Volunteers of America temporarily covered the phones, programs lost ground during the temporary shut-down, and "people noticed a difference," says Polly Powell, current Board President. The Crisis Line, for example, also receives calls from people with non-Domestic Violence concerns, such as suicide and mental illness--assistance Volunteers of America were not equipped to give.

The Crisis Line's re-establishment falls in line with a recent, increased awareness of domestic violence-related needs in Portland. In March, the City of Portland voted to reapply for a grant encouraging partnership between Portland Police and local, domestic violence organizations. Under the grant, the Police Bureau partners with Volunteers of America, Raphael House, the Multnomah District Attorney, and the Multnomah County Domestic Violence Coordinator's Office. Together, teams of advocates and officers tackle domestic violence issues.

"Getting the advocate community and the police together may seem insignificant," says Sgt. Dan Slawson, Program Manager of the grant. "But historically, they have been on opposing sides of the domestic-violence realm. This [program] is somewhat unique."

Slawson believes the partnership helps officers become more aware of the larger issues involved, says Slawson. "Police have learned more about advocacy techniques, and the advocate community has learned that the police do care," he says.

Advocates from Volunteers of America will now accompany officers to homes when they receive domestic violence calls.

"It's about having the right tools at the right time," says Maile McCluskey of Volunteers of America. "Each person has a piece of the puzzle, and you need to figure out the right slant and how they fit."