By Michael Farnworth

For the Journal

POCATELLO— Domestic abuse in the area seems to be on the rise. There is local help available to those that need to get out of a bad situation though.

The Family Services Alliance 355 S. Arthur Ave. in Pocatello provides support to victims of domestic violence, stocking, and sexual assault.

Sarah Leeds is the Executive Director of Family Services Alliance, and she has seen a rise in these types of situations.

"Domestic violence homicides are definitely rising," Leeds said, "but we've also seen a rise in the other areas. Between 2008-09 we had a 10 percent rise in domestic violence, and between 2009-10, there was another 6 percent increase."

Family Services Alliance provides many services to victims, such as an emergency shelter for those that need to get out of a situation immediately, as well as offering advocates, counseling, support groups, and their advocates will accompany victims to court where they will help to get protection orders.

"I think the Pocatello Police Department is a model group," Leeds said. "I think though, that resources are stretched to the max. We need to look at this as a system, and look at ways to try and prevent domestic violence in our communities."

The Alliance provides a crisis hotline, (208) 251-Help (4357).

This hotline is manned 24 hours a day by an advocate, and can be used by anyone, including law enforcement.

"When the Police respond to a domestic violence case," Leeds said, "They call us on our hotline, and we send an advocate out to help the victims. We get questions about the situation answered, and try to figure out which services would best suit their needs."

For non-emergency situations, anyone can call the office during working hours at (208)232-0742, and walk-ins are always welcome.

"We never turn someone away." Leeds said, "It doesn't matter if the need to get immediately out of a situation, or if they just need help planning safety ideas in a (just in case) type of situation. I would like to encourage any victim to come in. We are here to help, and we are completely confidential."