ATVP to maintain county space

Jana Mathia, Gazette Reporter | Dec 14, 20170

After 25 years together, Whitman County and Alternatives to Violence on the Palouse are going to make official an informal agreement that lets ATVP maintain its office space.

Commissioners Monday discussed the situation and the revelation that, although ATVP has had a physical presence in the courthouse building for more than two decades, it has never been official with any documentation. And while there are other requests for that space, commissioners felt the services ATVP provides warranted keeping it in the space.

“They’re a bridge in what would otherwise be a divide,” said Dan LeBeau, the county’s chief deputy prosecutor.

According to its website, ATVP provides support and safety for victims of domestic violence and sexual assault and non-offending family members and friends. It has been in existence for 38 years. Le Beau noted it bridges the gaps that often keeps victims of domestic violence and sexual assault from seeking justice.

“Effective prosecution relies on victims and witnesses being willing and able to testify,” he said. And ATVP is the way those victims can overcome the complications and fears most crime victims do not have. Le Beau, who has been with the prosecutor’s office for 12 years, covers a range of crimes, but in some ways the cases involving domestic violence and sexual assault are the most complicated.

Complications include a domestic violence victim losing their financial support if their abuser is in jail. While ATVP is not funded by the county, it provides a quality service, he stated.

Commissioners during their discussion Dec. 4 noted that ATVP is a key function to get victims to the level to deal with the prosecutors and court system.

They agreed to have an agreement that would provide ATVP the office space and public internet access written up.

Commissioners noted that they generally reject letting outside entities use the limited courthouse space, but that ATVP is “already an integral part of the county process,” Commissioner Art Swannack said.

LeBeau’s feelings fall into the same stream that it is an almost necessary access point and having an office space in Colfax makes it easier for victims to reach them. Having that access point serves the victims in many ways, including providing a phone, since that is usually controlled by the abuser.

“I just think they are a very valuable resource,” LeBeau said.