COEUR D'ALENE, Idaho — As reports of sexual assault increase throughout North Idaho, advocates, law enforcement and prosecutors are trying to keep up.
“Since our community is growing, so does violent crime,” said Leslie Johnson, director of development and communication for Safe Passage. “How do we, as a community, respond to that?”
Based in Coeur d’Alene, Safe Passage offers a 24-hour helpline, emergency shelter, legal advocacy and counseling, to people experiencing abuse throughout the five northern counties.
Last year, more than 1,300 people received services and support from Safe Passage. The nonprofit sheltered 260 adults and children, and provided a total of 1,802 safe nights in the shelter and area hotels in 2023, which was a 17% increase over the prior year.
In addition, their children’s advocacy center performed 208 child forensic interviews, and they typically provide services for an abused child every single day.
But it’s hard to determine whether the increased numbers are due to more crimes occurring or simply more people reporting crimes.
“It’s a mix,” Johnson said. “As we get the awareness out, more people are sharing the (helpline) number with their friends and family.”
To read the full story, visit our news partners, the Coeur d'Alene Press.
WATCH: City of Spokane kicks off Start By Believing program for victims of sexual assault (April 2018)
DOWNLOAD THE KREM SMARTPHONE APP
DOWNLOAD FOR IPHONE HERE | DOWNLOAD FOR ANDROID HERE
HOW TO ADD THE KREM+ APP TO YOUR STREAMING DEVICE
ROKU: Add the channel from the ROKU store or by searching for KREM in the Channel Store.
Fire TV: Search for "KREM" to find the free app to add to your account. Another option for Fire TV is to have the app delivered directly to your Fire TV through Amazon.
Apple TV: Search "Spokane News from KREM" in the Apple store or follow this link.
To report a typo or grammatical error, please email webspokane@krem.com.
