Several North Idaho counties report increase of sexual assault [Video]

COEUR D’ALENE, Idaho — As reports of sexual assault increase throughout North Idaho, advocates, law enforcement and prosecutors are trying to keep up.

“Since our community is growing, so does violent crime,” said Leslie Johnson, director of development and communication for Safe Passage. “How do we, as a community, respond to that?”

Based in Coeur d’Alene, Safe Passage offers a 24-hour helpline, emergency shelter, legal advocacy and counseling, to people experiencing abuse throughout the five northern counties.

Last year, more than 1,300 people received services and support from Safe Passage. The nonprofit sheltered 260 adults and children, and provided a total of 1,802 safe nights in the shelter and area hotels in 2023, which was a 17% increase over the prior year.

In addition, their children’s advocacy center …