Hitting Close To Home Where To Get Help

Help is available for domestic violence victims, their children and abusers. Here is a list of resources in this region:

SPOKANE COUNTY

YWCA Domestic Violence Safe Shelter: If personal safety is endangered, the YWCA’s Alternatives to Domestic Violence Program may make a referral to its shelter. It is confidential and offers a home-like environment with a 24-hour, full-time staff. Call 327-9534.

Other YWCA programs: Services include individual and group counseling, crisis telephone counseling 24 hours a day, a “Healthy Expressions” group for victims, and a domestic violence perpetrator’s program to help men break out of the cycle of violence and manage the expression of their feelings. Call 327-9534.

Ogden Hall Shelter for Women and Children: Domestic violence victims and their children can stay at the shelter for free while they find other housing. Provides referrals for medical care, drug and alcohol rehabilitation and counseling. Call 327-7737.

Vanessa Behan Crisis Nursery: The nursery provides free, short-term shelter for children who are injured or unsupervised during a family crisis. Parents can arrange to leave children 6 and younger for up to 72 hours of care. Call 535-3155.

Spokane Neighborhood Action Program: Domestic violence victims can apply for emergency and low-income housing. Expect to be put on a waiting list. Call 456-7106.

Community Mental Health Center: Callers are offered “supportive listening,” referrals to counselors, doctors or dentists, and help finding food, clothing and housing. Call the 24-hour crisis line, 838-4428, or 624-0004 for the hearing-impaired.

Legal advocacy: YWCA court liaison staff help family members obtain orders of protection and will accompany clients to court appearances. The office is located near the Spokane County Courthouse. Call the Court Liaison Office at 456-2244 during regular business hours.

STEVENS COUNTY

Family Support Center, Colville: The center provides shelter for victims of domestic violence or sexual abuse. Victims can get help in legal or money matters, counseling, housing, employment and medical resources. Center workers also help victims get protection orders. Call the 24-hour crisis line, 684-6139.

WHITMAN COUNTY

Alternatives to Violence of the Palouse, Pullman: Offers emergency shelter for abused women and their children, emergency intervention, legal advocacy, support groups and emotional support. Call 332-4357. In Idaho call (208) 883-4357. Collect calls are accepted.

FERRY COUNTY

Ferry County Community Services: A program called Connections includes emergency shelter for domestic violence victims and their children, as well as women’s support groups and legal advocacy. Limited therapy is also offered. Call 775-3331 or 775-3132.

PEND OREILLE COUNTY

Family Crisis Network, Newport: The center provides a shelter for women, as well as legal advocacy and counseling. All services are paid for by the state. Call the 24-hour crisis line, 447-LIVE, or (800) 548-3133.

OKANOGAN COUNTY

The Support Center, Omak: Domestic violence victims can get emergency food and shelter, individual or group counseling, medical and legal advocacy, transportation and referral to other community services. Call 826-3221, 24 hours a day.

KOOTENAI COUNTY

Coeur d’Alene Women’s Center: Offers 24-hour crisis intervention. Advocates available to help with court visits and paperwork. A women’s shelter also is available. Call (208) 664-9303.

Post Falls O.A.S.I.S Program: Offers on-scene crisis intervention and counseling, court advocacy, and assistance with prosecution. A shelter in Post Falls also is open. Call (208) 773-3517 and ask for Sue Smith, 24 hours a day.

BONNER COUNTY

Bonner County Crisis Line: 24-hour hot line for victims of domestic violence and sexual assault. Call (208) 263-1241

Youth Crisis and Domestic Violence Hot Line, Bonners Ferry: Advocates available to help with paperwork and court visits. Also offers sheltering. Call (208) 267-5211.

SHOSHONE COUNTY

Shoshone County Women’s Resource Center: Crisis counseling and short-term shelter are available. Leave message at (208) 556-6101 or call the Shoshone County Sheriff’s Department, (208) 556-1114, and someone there will contact a volunteer.