New name, same role

COEUR d'ALENE - The Women's Center has a new name. The agency, which has been advocating for victims of domestic violence and sexual assault since 1977, is now the North Idaho Violence Prevention Center. "Gender does not play a role in family and domestic violence," said director Anne Chatfield.

COEUR d'ALENE - The Women's Center has a new name.

The agency, which has been advocating for victims of domestic violence and sexual assault since 1977, is now the North Idaho Violence Prevention Center.

"Gender does not play a role in family and domestic violence," said director Anne Chatfield.

The new name is a better fit with the nonprofit's coverage area, the state's five northern counties, and its mission to assist all victims, she said.

The center provides free and confidential services to men, women, children and families who are victims of violence.

The new name will be announced tonight at the center's "Champagne, Cheesecake, Chocolate & Cabernet," charity auction benefit that starts at 6 p.m. at the Coeur d'Alene Best Western Inn.

The event includes a raffle and live and silent auction items.

Tickets are still available for $30 each, and can be purchased by calling the center at 664-9303.

"We are here to offer refuge, hope and healing to victims of violence in North Idaho. It's exciting to introduce our organization's new name while joining forces with others to fight violence in our community," said Dawnell Scroggin, the center's director of outreach and education. "Unlike the illnesses we strive to find cures for, violence can be stopped."

Proceeds from tonight's benefit will directly support the center's efforts to provide 24-hour assistance for victims of rape, domestic abuse and sexual assault. The center provides counseling, domestic violence shelter, court advocacy and children's services for victims of family violence.