Jeff Humphrey, Media Content Coordinator, 509.625.6308
Thursday, September 14, 2017 at 2:33 p.m.
Some good police work getting recognized over some good food as Spokane’s YWCA hosted its 4th Annual Law Enforcement Appreciation Breakfast.
16 sheriff’s deputies and police officers were saluted for their role in stopping the cycle of domestic violence.
One out of every four women will be the victims of domestic violence in their lifetimes. That grim statistic is what led to the creation of the Spokane Regional Domestic Violence Team.
Detectives, prosecutors and victim advocates all work under the same roof at the Y’s Family Justice Center on north Monroe.
Their goal is to make sure DV suspects obey protection orders, support victims and deliver compelling evidence when these assault, harassment or stalking cases go to trial.
One of the officers to pick up an award from the team is a young patrolman who works for the Airway Heights Police Department.
Officer Erika Rose responded to a domestic violence call and not only removed a woman from a dangerous situation, but went many extra miles enforcing the no contact order and making sure the victim felt confident and safe enough to testify against her abuser in court.
“Officer Rose would show up to court to support this person, walk them to her car and be a safe person to talk to. I was very impressed with Officer Rose’s actions that went further than expected and interactions like this restore hope to the victims of crimes, that they are taken seriously and helps build trust and rapport between victims and law enforcement,” said Courtney Pettitt a Victim Advocate for the YWCA.
More than a dozen other Spokane police officers and sheriff’s deputies were recognized by the YWCA’s Alternatives to Domestic Violence team.
October is Domestic Violence Action Month and you’ll be hearing more about a campaign that asks you to "End the Silence”.
