Help for victims of domestic violence

The Coeur d'Alene Police Department responded to about 20 domestic violence-related calls last weekend, according to the agency's Facebook page. Victims of domestic violence or those who know a victim, are encouraged to seek help immediately. Kootenai County advocates for victims of domestic violence include the North Idaho Violence Prevention Center (208)664-9303; Post Falls Police OASIS, (208)773-1080; or Kootenai County Prosecutor Victim Services Advocate, (208)446-1824.

The Press reported in October that the North Idaho Violence Prevention Center, based in Coeur d'Alene and formerly known as the Women's Center, has experienced a dramatic spike in calls for service in the past three years.

The center sheltered 144 women and children in 2008-09, and provided crisis counseling to 750 women, children and men.

In the first three quarters of the 2010-11 program year, the agency sheltered 596 women and children, and provided counseling to 1,795 men, women and children.