Idaho had a bad day in the world of domestic violence on Sept. 10, 2014. In a 24-hour snapshot done by the National Network to End Domestic Violence for the ninth consecutive  year, Idaho had 514 adults and children receive life-saving services from Idaho’s 23 community and tribal domestic violence programs that one day.

    Domestic violence victim-advocates in the Gem State answered 184 emergency hotline calls during that 24-hour period last September.   

    At the same time, 160 requests for services went unmet, of which 78 percent of the requests were for affordable and accessible housing, according to a press release from the Network to End Domestic Violence.

    Despite the obvious demand for services, Idaho reduced 22 staff positions in agencies across the state last year — the majority were people working in direct services like shelter or legal advocacy.

    “Staff decreases in direct service programs creates further barriers in enhancing safety and meeting the complex needs of adults and children affected by domestic violence, especially for populations marginalized by society,” said Kelly Miller, executive director of the Idaho Coalition Against Sexual & Domestic Violence. “If we are going to create the conditions for everyone to thrive, we need funding for essential services such as   bilingual advocates for individuals who are limited English proficient and accessible housing for individuals with disabilities.”

    The National Census of Domestic Violence Services held last Sept. 10 collected information from almost 90 percent of the domestic-violence programs from across the U.S.

    Using data collected from these programs, the 2014 census report identifies needs that were met and unmet on Sept. 10 and provides a snapshot of how budget cuts are affecting the staffing and resources of these organizations.

    During the 24-hour period nationally, domestic violence programs across the country provided help and safety to 67,646 adults and children who were victims of domestic violence.