Same mission, new name for violence prevention center

COEUR d’ALENE — The North Idaho Violence Prevention Center has a new name.

The nonprofit remains dedicated to helping victims of violence, but its moniker is now Safe Passage.

“One of the reasons we love our new name is the focus on safety,” said Katie Coker, executive director. “It can mean acquiring a protection order, finding safe shelter, reporting a sexual assault to the police, talking confidentially with a counselor or calling our crisis line to speak with an advocate.”

The center, based in Coeur d’Alene, provides advocacy and other critical support services for victims of sexual assault and family violence, including counseling, court-based advocacy and shelter. The agency, which has been advocating for victims of domestic violence and sexual assault since 1977, was named the Women’s Center until 2010. For most people living in North Idaho, the concept of safety is one associated with family, loved ones and home, Coker said.

But for many, home is not a place to feel safe. Victims of domestic or sexual violence know this all too well.

“Imagine how difficult it must be to contact an agency of people you do not know and tell them that you need to leave your home due to violence,” Coker said.

Last year, Safe Passage increased safety for 715 victims of domestic and sexual violence and educated 8,000 young people and community members in the region about healthy relationships and safe technology practices.

For information, call 664-9303.