Help is Available
The Idaho Council on Domestic Violence and Victim Assistance (ICDVVA) has listed a variety of resources to support victims and survivors. Whether you are looking for victim service programs, victim’s rights information, or additional tools and guidance, this section connects you with valuable information and support.
There is Help!
If you are a victim of rape
The law requires the referring law enforcement agency to pay hospital costs of evidence collection for rape victims.
If you are a victim of domestic violence
If there is a threat of further violence by a family or household member you may file for a civil protection order at your county courthouse. They are issued on an emergency basis. There is no charge for this service.
Victims Compensation
If you are a victim of a violent crime possible payment of medical bills, lost wages, counseling, funeral bills and more is available through Idaho’s Crime Victims’ Compensation Program: (208-334-6080). For further information on victim compensation, please refer to title 19, chapter 53, Idaho Code and title 72, chapter 10, Idaho Code.
Child Support
If you need child support call your local Department of Health and Welfare and ask for the child support enforcement office. You may be able to receive financial help (Idaho Code 32-706). Click here to go to Idaho Department of Health and Welfare Child support services main webpage.
Need More Support?
Ways to Get Help
Connect with Local Resources Across Idaho
Whether you're looking for housing assistance, food programs, mental health services, healthcare, childcare, transportation, or other community resources, Idaho CareLine can help connect you with services in your area. Specialists can help identify programs based on your needs and provide referrals to trusted organizations throughout the state. It's a great place to start if you're not sure where to turn for help.
Just call 211 or visit the Idaho Careline website for more information.
Confidential Support, Anytime You Need It
If you are experiencing domestic violence—or you're concerned about someone you care about—you don't have to face it alone. Trained advocates are available 24 hours a day to listen, provide emotional support, help you create a safety plan, and connect you with local resources. You do not have to be in immediate danger to call, and you are never required to make a report or take legal action simply by reaching out.
National 24-hour Domestic Violence Hotline
800-799-7233
| 2-1-1 Idaho CareLine | Dial 2-1-1 or 1-800-926-2588 |
| Idaho Child Abuse and Child Protection | 800-552-KIDS (5437) |
| Idaho Suicide Prevention Hotline | 800-564-2120 |
| Covenant House Nine Line | 800-999-9999 |
| Elder Abuse Hotline | 800-252-8966 |
| Family Violence Prevention Center | 800-313-1310 |
| Gay and Lesbian National Hotline | 888-843-4564 |
| Girls & Boys Town National Hotline (Crisis and Suicide) | 800-448-3000 |
| Homeless | 800-231-6946 |
| National Sexual Assault Hotline | 800-656-4673 |
| National Suicide Prevention Hotline | 800-273-8255 |
| National Child Abuse Hotline | 800-422-4453 (800 4 A CHILD) |
| National Center for Missing and Exploited Children | 800-843-5678 |
| National Runaway Safeline | 800-RUNAWAY or 800-786-2929 |
| Rape, Sexual Assault, Abuse, and Incest National Network (RAINN) | 800-656-HOPE (4673) |
| Veterans Crisis Line | 800-273-8255 |
| Victim Information and Referral Line: NOVA | 800-879-6682 |
| Youth Crisis Hotline | 800-448-1833 |
Is Your Relationship Healthy?
Sometimes it can be difficult to recognize unhealthy or abusive behaviors, especially when they develop gradually over time. This confidential relationship quiz can help you better understand your relationship by asking simple questions about communication, respect, control, and safety. Whether you're concerned about your own relationship or someone else's, the quiz can be a helpful first step in understanding the warning signs of abuse.
If you suspect you are a victim of domestic violence, take the quiz:
Information You Can Download and Share
Browse a collection of printable brochures covering topics such as domestic violence, sexual assault, victims' rights, protection orders, available services, and community resources. These materials are designed to provide clear, easy-to-understand information and are available in multiple languages for individuals, families, professionals, and community organizations.
Victims Rights
Derechos de las víctimas
What is Domestic Violence?
¿Qué es violencia doméstica?
Know Your Rights Under Idaho Law
Crime victims have important rights throughout the criminal justice process, including the right to be treated with fairness, dignity, and respect. Learn about your rights to receive information, attend court proceedings, be heard at key stages of a case, seek restitution, and access victim services. Understanding your rights can help you make informed decisions and advocate for yourself throughout the process.
If you are a victim of violent crime, and you believe that you may be entitled to help with medical bills or other expenses. Find out about Victims’ Rights.
Contact a program near you for assistance.
Find Support Services in Your Community
Idaho is home to a network of victim service programs that provide free and confidential assistance to survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, child abuse, and other crimes. Many programs offer emergency shelter, crisis intervention, safety planning, counseling referrals, legal advocacy, support groups, and other services designed to help individuals and families move toward safety and healing. Explore programs near you to find the support that best fits your needs.
Need to file protection orders to ensure your safety?
Learn About Your Legal Options
If you are experiencing domestic violence, stalking, or certain other forms of abuse, a Civil Protection Order may be available to help protect you and your family. This section explains the different types of protection orders available in Idaho, who may qualify, and how to begin the filing process. You'll also find information about court self-help resources, legal assistance, and victim advocates who can help answer questions and provide support throughout the process.
Find Local Services Near You
Support looks different for everyone. Whether you're searching for emergency shelter, counseling, legal assistance, healthcare, financial resources, or advocacy services, Find Help Idaho makes it easier to locate organizations in your community. Search by location or service type to connect with trusted providers who can help you take the next step—whatever that may be.
Common Questions
How do I know if I’m experiencing domestic violence?
Domestic violence is about power and control, not just physical violence. Abuse can happen in many different ways and often becomes more frequent or severe over time. If someone in your relationship regularly makes you feel afraid, isolated, controlled, or unsafe, you may be experiencing abuse.
Domestic violence can include:
- Physical violence or threats of violence
- Emotional or verbal abuse
- Coercive control
- Stalking or harassment
- Sexual abuse
- Financial abuse
- Technology or digital abuse
- Isolation from friends and family
- Threats involving children, pets, or loved ones
Every relationship is different, and abuse doesn’t always leave visible injuries.
If you’re unsure about your situation, consider taking a confidential relationship assessment or speaking with a victim advocate. You do not have to decide today whether to leave or report the abuse—simply learning about your options can be an important first step.
Helpful Resources
Do domestic violence victims have rights?
Yes. Idaho law provides important rights to victims of crime, including many individuals affected by domestic violence.
Depending on your situation, you may have rights related to:
- Being treated with fairness, dignity, and respect
- Receiving information about your case
- Being notified of court proceedings
- Attending court hearings
- Providing a victim impact statement
- Requesting restitution
- Receiving information about available victim services
- Applying for Crime Victims Compensation
Victim advocates can help explain your rights and connect you with resources throughout the criminal justice process.
Helpful Resources
I can’t afford my medical bills. Can you help?
If you were injured as the result of a violent crime, you may be eligible for financial assistance through the Idaho Crime Victims Compensation Program.
Depending on eligibility, the program may help cover expenses such as:
- Emergency medical care
- Hospital bills
- Counseling and mental health services
- Lost wages
- Funeral and burial expenses
- Sexual assault forensic examinations
- Other eligible crime-related costs
Eligibility requirements and application deadlines apply. A victim advocate can help explain the program and assist you with the application process.
If you’re unsure whether you qualify, it’s still worth reaching out to ask questions.
Helpful Resources
How can I protect my children?
If you’re concerned about your children’s safety, know that help is available.
Every family and situation is different, but there are steps you can take to improve safety, including:
- Creating a personalized safety plan
- Talking with a victim advocate
- Identifying trusted adults your children can contact
- Teaching children how to call 911 in an emergency, when appropriate
- Keeping important documents in a safe place
- Discussing custody or legal concerns with an attorney if needed
Children may also benefit from counseling or other supportive services after experiencing or witnessing violence.
If you believe your child is in immediate danger, call 911.
Helpful Resources
What are protection orders?
A Protection Order is a court order that may help protect someone who is experiencing domestic violence, stalking, harassment, or other qualifying forms of abuse.
A protection order can require the other person to:
- Stop contacting you
- Stay away from your home, workplace, or school
- Stop threatening or harassing you
- Surrender firearms in certain circumstances, as provided by law
A judge decides whether to issue a protection order based on the information presented.
There is no filing fee to request a civil protection order in Idaho for qualifying domestic violence cases.
Victim advocates and court self-help staff can explain the process and help you understand your options.
Helpful Resources
Am I in an abusive relationship?
If you’re asking yourself this question, it’s okay to seek information.
Abuse isn’t always physical. Many people experience controlling, intimidating, or manipulative behaviors long before physical violence occurs.
Some warning signs include a partner who:
- Constantly monitors where you are or who you’re with
- Tries to isolate you from family or friends
- Controls your money or access to transportation
- Insults, humiliates, or threatens you
- Pressures or forces you into sexual activity
- Damages your belongings or threatens pets
- Makes you feel afraid to disagree
- Frequently apologizes after abusive behavior and promises to change, only for the behavior to happen again
Only you know your relationship, but you don’t have to figure it out alone.
If you’re uncertain, consider taking a confidential relationship quiz or talking with a victim advocate. You don’t have to be in crisis to ask questions or explore your options.
Helpful Resources
Complaints
ICDVVA is committed to transparency, accountability, and continuous improvement. Information regarding complaint submission for our funded programs is available for individuals who wish to report concerns related to programs, services, or compliance matters.
Know Your Civil Rights
On This Page
TALK TO SOMEONE NOW
Idaho CareLine | IDHW Dial 2-1-1 or 1-800-926-2588
National 24-hour Domestic Violence Hotline 800-799-7233
