Standing up to domestic violence

COEUR d'ALENE - The North Idaho Violence Prevention Center and Soroptimist International of Coeur d'Alene are hosting a breakfast fundraiser Thursday at The Coeur d'Alene Resort.

The fundraiser will support the nonprofit violence prevention center's efforts to provide services to North Idaho victims of domestic and sexual violence and the Soroptimist Children's Counseling Center's support of youngsters who have been exposed to, or victims of, family violence.

"When you live in a normal home, the idea of domestic violence alone is upsetting. Then, when you think about the kids growing up in those situations, and how they think domestic violence is normal. Well, that's pretty much what directed us to create the Children's Counseling Center," said Barb Bradley, Soroptimist board member and former member of the violence prevention center board.

The breakfast benefit is the nonprofit's signature fundraiser this year, replacing the Chocolate & Goblets event it held annually for the last few years.

North Idaho Violence Prevention Center, formerly known as the Women's Center, has been advocating for victims of domestic violence and sexual assault since 1977.

The center provides free and confidential services - emergency shelter, court advocacy, crisis counseling - to victims domestic and sexual violence of all ages and genders. The center also provides education and outreach programs.

The Coeur d'Alene chapter of Soroptimist, an international organization for business and professional women who work to improve the lives of those in their communities, began partnering with the nonprofit violence prevention center in 2000.

Bradley said Soroptimist members decided to support a children's counseling program after hearing from the violence prevention center's advocates about the impact family violence has on kids.

The Stop the Violence Benefit begins at 7:30 a.m.

To reserve a seat, call Barb Bradley, 755-0604