MERIDIAN, ID – The Idaho Statistical Analysis Center (ISAC) has released two new research briefs examining sexual violence and intimate partner violence (IPV) across the state, using 2023 data. The reports offer a look at both law enforcement figures and data from victim service agencies, revealing significant trends and ongoing needs in Idaho’s response to violence.

The briefs, based on data from the Idaho Incident-Based Reporting System (IIBRS) and the Idaho Crime Victim Services Dashboard, show a gap between the number of incidents reported to law enforcement and the number of victims receiving support services.

Intimate Partner Violence Trends

According to ISAC, Idaho saw a 7% decrease in the number of IPV victims reported to law enforcement between 2016 and 2023. In contrast, the number of IPV victims receiving grant-funded services rose 38% over that same period.

In 2023, law enforcement was made aware of 5,585 IPV victims. Meanwhile, more than 22,000 victims accessed services funded through federal grants—four times the number reported to law enforcement.

Victim service providers also identified a list of key needs, including more resources in rural areas, enhanced training for professionals across the justice system, better public awareness of services, and a greater number of Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners (SANEs) to improve access to forensic medical exams.

Sexual Violence Data

The sexual violence brief shows a similar pattern. From 2016 to 2023, the number of sexual assault victims known to law enforcement rose by 2%. The number of victims receiving grant-funded services also increased by 2%.

In 2023, 1,841 sexual assault victims were reported to law enforcement, while 7,163 received services—again, nearly four times higher.

The service needs mirror those listed in the IPV report: greater rural outreach, more training for justice system personnel, increased public education about available resources, and more SANEs.

Addressing the Gap

The ISAC reports suggest that many victims may be seeking support from service providers without reporting their cases to police. The findings point to the importance of maintaining strong community services and continuing efforts to close service gaps, particularly in rural regions.

The full research briefs are available on the Idaho Statistical Analysis Center’s website.