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Prosecutor and family members describe courthouse "comfort rooms" plan; commissioners approve renovation money
Summary
Porter County commissioners approved approximately $24,158 for renovation of five courthouse offices into victim-assistance and comfort rooms; prosecutors and a victim's family urged the changes during the meeting.
The Porter County prosecutor's office requested and received funding to renovate a suite of five offices on the courthouse fifth floor into dedicated victim-assistance spaces, including a soft interview room for sexual-assault examinations, a family grieving room for homicide survivors and classroom-style space for domestic-violence safety planning. The commissioners voted to approve $24,157.54 for building maintenance to complete the work.
Ona Torres, introduced as a representative of the prosecutor's victim assistance program, said the spaces will provide a "soft landing" for victims and allow prosecutors and law-enforcement partners to offer private support and resource referrals. Mark Skojewski, whose daughter was killed six years earlier and who said his family has been involved in this issue, described courthouse waiting areas as "cold" and lacking privacy for grieving families and witnesses.
"We want to give them a soft landing," Torres said, describing separate spaces for children ages 4 to 16, an interview room for sexual-assault victims and family-room space for homicide survivors. Skojewski said the idea resonated with his family's experience and urged the board to support the renovation.
Commission discussion focused on whether the project could proceed using existing line-item balances. One commissioner said the courthouse project had budgeted money but that the current additional appropriation was "above and beyond" that budget; another suggested doing the project and returning at year-end if an additional appropriation was needed. Commissioners approved the requested building-maintenance appropriation by roll call. Staff and prosecutors said they expect to return with a separate appropriation for furniture, estimated in discussion at about $34,000, and that they are seeking grant and donor support for furnishings.
What this means: the renovation creates dedicated, private space intended to reduce trauma for victims, especially children and homicide survivors, during court processes. Funding approved covers contractor work and flooring; furniture and outfitting remain to be funded separately.
