Help plan Spokane's response to domestic violence, sexual assault and stalking

Agencies that work to combat sexual and physical abuse will meet Monday, Oct. 1, to talk about how best to respond to "domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking crimes," according the Spokane County Sheriff's Office.

The meeting, which is scheduled for 5:45-7 pm, will take place in the Spokane Regional Health District Auditorium, Room 140, located at 1101 W. College Ave., in Spokane.

"Every year people in our community are physically, sexually and mentally abused/assaulted by spouses, partners, family members, persons of trust, and sometimes, strangers," a Sheriff's Office press release notes. "This abuse is often about power and control and shows itself in many different ways from the obvious to the covert which can make it difficult to detect even though it may have been occurring for days, months, and even years."

The meeting is required every other year as part of a federal grant process passed through state agencies to local responders. It offers the chance to talk about how to "prioritize the needs and safety of the victim while holding the offenders accountable for their crimes," and community members are asked to weigh in on what should be the priorities in 2019 and 2020, the release states.

In addition to members of the Sheriff's Office, other agencies involved include the Spokane Police Department, Lutheran Community Services Northwest, YWCA and the Spokane County Prosecutor's Office.