COEUR d'ALENE - The number of deaths related to domestic violence in Idaho this year stands at 18, up from 13 in 2010.

The nearly 40 percent increase is indicative of a trend occurring in North Idaho and throughout the state, with domestic violence programs reporting higher demands for services as funds from grants and other revenue sources are dwindling.

"There has been a sharp increase in the amount of women and children being sheltered the last six months, with a particular increase in sheltering victims of sexual violence," said Tracy Rudd-Heilig, Sexual Assault Program Coordinator at the North Idaho Violence Prevention Center. "There are times we see as many as five victims of sexual violence in one week at the emergency room."

The violence prevention center, based in Coeur d'Alene and formerly known as the Women's Center, has experienced a dramatic spike in calls for service in the past three years.

The nonprofit center offers services free of charge to victims and families affected by domestic violence, sexual assault and rape - emergency shelter, court advocacy, crisis counseling and other types of assistance.

The center sheltered 144 women and children in 2008-09, and provided crisis counseling to 750 women, children and men.

In the first three quarters of the 2010-11 program year, the agency has sheltered 596 women and children, and provided counseling to 1,795 men, women and children.

"Due to the high increase in numbers of clients served and our country's poor economy, grant funding and donations have decreased," said Callie Weatherford, the center's programs manager. "With the loss of our rural funding over the last four months, it has saddened us to have had to let go of four crucial members of our team."

A $750,000, three-year Rural Program grant, administered by the United States Department of Justice's Office on Violence Against Women, expired earlier this year and was not awarded again.

Weatherford said with the help of its professionally trained staff, and volunteers from the community, the center has been able to continue its mission to provide "safety, education and empowerment to victims of violence and the community."

The National Network to End Domestic Violence 2010 Census Count found that during one 24-hour period, Idaho-based domestic violence programs provided emergency, life-saving services to 517 victims and their children. Domestic violence victim advocates answered 152 emergency hotline calls, and 340 adults and children received non-residential assistance and services, including counseling, legal advocacy, and children's support groups.

At the same time, 67 requests for services went unmet, largely due to lack of funding.

The North Idaho Violence Prevention Center office, 850 N. Fourth St., is open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Services include crisis intervention; domestic violence and rape/sexual assault hotlines; legal and sexual assault advocacy; hospital advocacy; individual and group counseling; education and outreach for adults and youth; and emergency shelter and temporary residence services 24-hours a day.

Clients accessing direct services range from 4 years old to 80-plus and come from all socio-economic and ethnic backgrounds. The center serves clients from Idaho's five northern counties.

24-hour crisis lines

Sexual Assault/Rape: (208) 661-2522;

Kootenai County Crisis Line: (208) 664-1442;

24-hour Domestic Violence Crisis Line: (208) 664-9303.

How you can help

Buy a ticket for the North Idaho Prevention Center's Fall Fashion Show and Lunch

When: 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. today

Where: Best Western Coeur d'Alene Inn,

Tickets: $40 for adults and $20 for children.

Purchase by phone: (208) 664-9303

Support the center's thrift store: 848 N. 4th St.

Open Monday through Friday, 10 am. to 5 p.m.

Volunteer opportunities are available

Call the center for information: (208) 664-9303