BOISE, Idaho — Several domestic violence incidents have been reported across Idaho over the past week, some even turned deadly.
Experts said the holiday season can be an especially stressful time for victims, because of several stressors - including isolation, increased drinking, and financial stress from the holidays.
But there are resources and help available.
Faces of Hope in Boise helps provide resources to victims of domestic violence and other forms of abuse with immediate help.
"We are the triage for victims when they are in crisis," Liz Erdrich, deputy director of Faces of Hope said. "So we are here for the first six to eight weeks, and we will provide resources to help victims with their immediate needs."
Statistics reveal on average, it takes a victim seven times to leave an abusive situation. Edrich said it's important to make access to help easy to get.
"We're going to do everything we can to remove those roadblocks for you," Edrich said.
Victims of domestic violence can reach out to get help through law enforcement or go directly to the Faces of Hope Center in downtown Boise.
"What we like to say is - when you come here, you will be believed," Edrich said. "So if you are needing resources to leave because it's an unsafe environment - unsafe for you, unsafe for your children, or unsafe for your pet - we're going to help with putting you up emergency housing for a few nights, maybe even longer. We're going to help you get your emotional needs met with crisis counseling. And make sure you have food, that you have clothing, that you can meet all of your basic needs right away - and help you get stabilized while you figure out your plan."
Family and friends can also be on the lookout for signs of abuse and domestic violence. Edrich said a common warning sign is a victim being cut off from loved ones.
"If you're being isolated, if your abuser is isolating you and making you cut off contact and is controlling you - if you're if you are noticing that, it's important as a family member and as a friend to let people know that there are resources out there," Edrich said.
There are several other organizations in southwestern Idaho that offer support and resources, including:
- Women's & Children's Alliance - Boise
- Nampa Family Justice Center - Nampa
- Advocates Against Family Violence - Caldwell
- Elmore County Domestic Violence Council - Mountain Home
- Voices Against Violence - Twin Falls
Faces of Hope also plans to open a location in Meridian in January, to help make resources more accessible across the Treasure Valley.
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