Letters

Schools accommodate violence education

On behalf of the Bonner County Domestic Violence Task Force, Coeur d’Alene Women’s Center and Victims Advocate Services Team, we would like to say thank you to the teachers and staff in both school districts in Bonner County. We appreciate your flexibility and hospitality in letting task force members present teen dating violence information in your classrooms.

Topics covered depending on age group were: healthy friendships and relationships; use of technology (sexting, MySpace, IM); Idaho statutory rape law; gender roles; types of abuse; and sexual assault.

At every presentation, a Victims Advocate Services Team domestic violence advocate was available to answer questions. You can learn about Idaho’s “No Means Know” curriculum at www.idvsa.org.

We look forward to a continued partnership with our school districts in Bonner County fighting youth violence.

Please note, locally, through Victims Advocate Services Team, anyone can reach an advocate anytime, day or night on our 24-hour line, (208) 265-3586. We provide direct, immediate services to victims of domestic violence and sexual assault. Services include referrals, civil protection orders, court advocacy, transportation issues, shelter and education. In addition, the Women’s Center in Kootenai County provides similar services and has a 24-hour crisis line, (208) 664-1443 and a 24-hour rape crisis line, (208) 661-2522.

Callie Ketner

Women’s Center Inc., Coeur d’Alene

Peggy Sherbon

Victims Advocate Services Team, Bonner County Prosecutors Office