Under the Oregon Statute (ORS 90.453(1)(b)) that protects survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, bias crime, or stalking, a “qualified third party” means a person who has had individual contact with the tenant and is either

  • a law enforcement officer,
  • an attorney,
  • a licensed health professional,
  • an employee of the Department of Justice division providing victim and survivor services, or
  • a victim’s advocate who works for either 
    • a nonprofit agency or program receiving funding from the Department of Human Services or the Department of Justice that offers safety planning, counseling, support, or advocacy to victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, bias crime, or stalking; or 
    • a prosecution-based victim assistance program or unit

A common question is whether a pastor can be a qualified third-party?

No, a pastor is not a qualified third party unless they can be considered a victim advocate in another place of employment, which falls under the definitions above.


Qualified Third Party Letter Template

Date

 

To Whom It May Concern,

 

I, _________________________ , (name of qualified third party), am an __________________ (law enforcement officer, attorney, licensed health professional or victim’s advocate) at _____________________________ (business name and address.) 


I verify based on my professional experience and work with ________________________ (the student), they or a minor member of their household meet the definition of a victim of domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking. I reasonably believe the statements of the person to be true, and I understand that this document may be used as verification of domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking regarding this individual's housing stability needs.


I hereby declare that the above statement is true to the best of my knowledge and belief.
 

Sincerely, 

 

 

Name

Title

Agency

Address

Phone

Email