Sarah Grabner, Crime Victim Assistance Supervisor with the Clackamas County District Attorney’s Office, will share how her office supports individuals impacted by crime through a wide range of services. The mission of the Victim Assistance Program is to involve crime victims and the community in a process that helps to diminish the devastating impact of crime. Experienced advocates are available to assist victims of all crimes and provide support to individuals who have suffered physical, emotional, and financial harm. Services include crisis intervention, emotional support, court accompaniment, safety planning, and help with protective orders.
Sarah will also highlight the Clackamas County District Attorney’s Courthouse Facility Dog Program, which provides comfort and emotional support to victims and witnesses of violent crimes as they navigate the justice system. Courthouse facility dogs are professionally trained assistance animals that work in prosecutor’s offices, child advocacy centers, and family courts across the country. They serve as legally neutral companions, offering a calming presence that helps vulnerable witnesses and victims feel able to share their experiences during stressful legal proceedings. Nacho IV, their trained courthouse dog, will be on hand as co-presenter to demonstrate the compassionate role he plays in this important work.
The Rotary Club of Wilsonville meets weekly Thursdays at noon to carry out its purpose of providing service and fellowship to members and the Wilsonville community. Guests are welcome. Lunch is available off the menu; please arrive and order by 11:45 a.m. if you are ordering lunch. For more information, email president@wilsonvillerotary.com.
Official bio:
Sarah Grabner is the Victim Assistance Supervisor at the Clackamas County District Attorney’s Office. She has been working in DA-based victim assistance for over 25 years and has been a certified facility dog handler for the past 11 years. She is currently the Handler of Courthouse Facility Dog, Nacho IV and they work with victims and witnesses of crime throughout Clackamas County.
