1. Victim and Witness Rights
- Idaho State Police – Victim Services
Provides an overview of victim rights, referrals, and access to compensation, legal guidance, and support across Idaho. - Idaho Attorney General – Crime Victims’ Rights
Offers a summary of constitutional and statutory rights for victims and witnesses in the criminal justice system.
2. Free and Low-Cost Legal Aid Programs
- Idaho Legal Aid Services
Provides free civil legal help to low-income residents, including restraining orders, cyber harassment, and stalking cases. - Idaho Volunteer Lawyers Program
Connects eligible residents with free legal support for domestic violence and other civil legal issues.
3. Relevant Laws
- Stalking: Idaho Code § 18-7905 & § 18-7906
What it means: Stalking includes repeated unwanted contact or conduct that causes fear, intimidation, or emotional distress. Aggravated stalking involves protective order violations or prior offenses. - Harassment: Addressed under stalking and communications laws (e.g., § 18-6702)
What it means: Harassment includes threatening calls, repeated unwanted messages, or obscene content with intent to disturb or intimidate. - Bullying: No adult criminal statute. Covered under Idaho Code § 33-205 and school district rules.
What it means: School bullying and cyberbullying are addressed through anti-bullying policies. Schools are required to act on reports and may impose disciplinary measures. - Defamation: Civil tort, not criminal. Guided by Idaho case law and common law principles.
What it means: Defamation claims involve false statements—written (libel) or spoken (slander)—that harm someone’s reputation. There is no criminal defamation law in Idaho.
4. Reporting and Hotlines
- Dial 911 in case of emergency or immediate threats.
- Non-emergency issues can be reported to local law enforcement or the county prosecutor’s office.
- Idaho Coalition Against Sexual & Domestic Violence
Connects victims with safety planning, shelter, legal services, and crisis advocacy. - Statewide Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-800-6730
Provides confidential support and referrals across Idaho 24/7.
5. Support Organizations
- Idaho Coalition Against Sexual & Domestic Violence
Offers statewide coordination of victim services, legal aid partnerships, and outreach education. - Women’s and Children’s Alliance (WCA – Boise)
Provides legal services, counseling, shelter, and advocacy in the Treasure Valley region.
6. Civil Remedies and Protection Orders
Victims may request a Civil Protection Order (CPO) in Idaho for domestic violence, stalking, or harassment. These orders can prohibit contact, enforce distance requirements, and include digital communication bans. Free help is available through local legal aid clinics and victim advocates.
Important Note on Jurisdiction: If the individual you are seeking a restraining order against lives in a different state, your local court may not have jurisdiction to enforce that order. In most cases, you must file for protection in the state where that individual resides or where the conduct occurred. This applies even in situations involving online harassment, defamation, or stalking. Contact legal aid services in both your state and the other person’s state for guidance.
7. Youth and School Resources
- Idaho Department of Education – School Climate & Bullying Prevention
Includes district policy tools, complaint procedures, and student support services.
8. Court Forms and Filing Help
- Idaho Court Assistance Office (CAO)
Offers forms, instructions, and legal guides for filing protection orders and harassment petitions.
9. Online Safety and Privacy Tools
- NNEDV Tech Safety Toolkit
Offers privacy tips, app safety tools, and advice for navigating online harassment or cyberstalking threats.
Disclaimer: This information is provided for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.
