Gov. Walker signs bill supporting sexual assault kit testing and standardizing investigations

Gov. Bill Walker signed House Bill 31 last week requiring a yearly accounting of untested sexual assault kits in the state, as well as providing systems for standardizing sexual assault investigations. Alaska police academies are now required to teach sexual assault investigative techniques and law.

Brad Myrstol, Justice Center director, is a member of the Sexual Assault Kit Initiative Working Group, which is working with the Alaska Department of Public Safety to develop a protocol for dealing with untested kits and creating a sustainable  and victim-centered response to sexual assault cases moving forward. Myrstol, along with Ingrid Johnson, new Justice faculty with an expertise in domestic violence and sexual assault, attended the signing of the bill on Friday, June 29.

Nearly a third (33.1%) of adult women in Alaska have experienced sexual violence in their lifetime, according to the  2015 Alaska Victimization Survey. The survey is conducted by the  Justice Center for the Council on Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault.

For more on Alaska's Sexual Assault Kit Initiative see the Spring 2018 Alaska Justice Forum.

CDVSA highlights productive partnership with Justice Center

The Council on Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault (CDVSA) highlighted its "productive and collaborative" relationship with the UAA Justice Center  in its 2017 Annual Report released this week. According to the annual report, the Justice Center which began collaborating with CDVSA in 2010, is providing critically important insight and valuable understanding of the scope of domestic violence and sexual assault through its work on the 2010 and 2015 Alaska Victimization Surveys (AVS) and a Knowledge, Attitudes and Beliefs survey. "In 2017, two years following the last statewide AVS, we are still gaining significant and critical information about the impact of these issues—particularly for Alaska women," according to the CDVSA's 2017 annual report. "In FY17, two follow-up reports were developed and released based on results from the 2015 AVS: the Statewide and Municipality of Anchorage Stalking Victimization (released in January 2017) and the Statewide Victimization of Alaska Women age 60+ (released in June 2017)."

The Justice Center continues to collaborate with CDVSA with the joint release of results from the 2014-2015 AVS for Aleutian/Pribilof Island region released on March 13, 2018.

Justice Center research provides opportunity to move CDVSA forward

Dr. André Rosay, Justice Center director, Dr. Brad Myrstol, director of the Alaska Justice Information Center and the Alaska Justice Statistical Analysis Center, and Dr. Lindsey Blumenstein, Justice faculty, met with Alaska's Council on Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault (CDVSA) yesterday to provide updates on ongoing DVSA research.

"Having a group like the Justice Center provides a huge opportunity to move us forward," said CDVSA Executive Director L. Diane Casto in response to Justice Center faculty reports on research.

Justice faculty provided a Powerpoint with status updates that included:

• Survey on Alaskans’ Knowledge, Attitudes and Beliefs (KAB) regarding Domestic Violence & Sexual Assault
• Results First Initiative cost-benefit analysis of batterer intervention programs which will be formally presented to the Alaska Criminal Justice Commission on June 15
• Update on psychological and physical abuse against women 60 and older from the Alaska Victimization Survey (2010-2015) (AVS) and comparison to national data from the National Intimate Partner and Sexual Violence Survey (2010).
• Update on the AVS and release of additional results in the coming months including in the Alaska Justice Forum in July.

Casto and the Council will be recommending additional areas for Justice Center study to help focus future CDVSA efforts.

Dr. Andre Rosay and L. Diane Casto discuss domestic violence and sexual assault on radio show

L. Diane Casto, Executive
Director, Council on Domestic
Violence and Sexual Assault

Dr. André Rosay, Justice Center director, and L. Diane Casto, executive director of the Alaska Council on Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault (CDVSA), discussed domestic violence and sexual assault in Alaska on Line One: Your Health Connection on Alaska Public Media on Monday, June 5. Using information from the 2015 Alaska Victimization Survey, Dr. Rosay reported that half of all women in Alaska have experienced intimate partner violence and/or sexual violence. He pointed out that the prevalence of intimate partner violence and sexual violence decreased by more than 30% since 2010. Unfortunately, the numbers remain unacceptably high.  In addition, they are high everywhere in Alaska.  But as Diane Casto said, women in rural Alaska face the additional challenge of having few services available for support.

As the new CDVSA executive director, Casto plans to continue to work with UAA's Justice Center to develop data-informed interventions. It is important to determine which interventions are working, Casto said. She added that programs aimed at prevention are extremely important.  In the long run, it costs much less to prevent abuse than to intervene once it is occurring, she added.

Dr. Blumenstein and CDVSA Director Morton interviewed by KTUU Channel 2 News about gender-based violence

Dr. Lindsey Blumenstein, Justice faculty, and Ms. Lauree Morton, Executive Director of the Council on Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault (CDVSA), were interviewed by KTUU Channel 2 News about gender-based violence following the recent release of the Alaska Victimization Survey (AVS) Municipality of Anchorage 2015 estimates.

Ms. Morton discussed the results for Anchorage:

• 1 in 2 adult women in the Municipality of Anchorage (48%) have experienced intimate partner violence, sexual violence or both, in their lifetime;
• 1 in 13 have experienced intimate partner violence, sexual violence or both, in the past year;
• The percentage of women in the Municipality of Anchorage who have experienced intimate partner violence, sexual violence, or both in their lifetime dropped from 55% to 48%.
• The percentage of women who have experienced intimate partner violence, sexual violence, or both in the past year dropped from 10% to 8%.
• Rates of violence against women in the Municipality of Anchorage remain unacceptably high.

The presentation on the Anchorage estimates also included discussion by Dr. Blumenstein of the results from the 2015 survey of sexual violence against UAA students.Conducted in the spring of 2016, this survey measured the prevalence of sexual misconduct and sexual assault against UAA students, both on and off campus. Findings include:

• From January 2015 to Spring 2016, 1 in 10 UAA students have experienced sexual assault and/or misconduct.
• 1 in 30 have experienced sexual assault.
• 1 in 11 have experienced sexual misconduct.

KTUU news reports:
 "Victims of Violence" - interview of Dr. Lindsey Blumenstein  by Rebecca Palsha. KTUU Channel 2 News. 26 Aug 2016.
"Victimization Survey Results" - interview of Ms. Lauree Morton by Rebecca Palsha. KTUU Channel 2 News. 26 Aug 2016.

MORE INFORMATION:
For more background on this project, visit http://www.uaa.alaska.edu/justice/avs
For more information about CDVSA, visit http://www.dps.state.ak.us/CDVSA/
To learn more about Abused Women’s Aid in Crisis, visit http://www.awaic.org
To learn more about Standing Together Against Rape, visit http://www.staralaska.com/

 

Alaska Victimization Survey results for Municipality of Anchorage show decline in intimate partner violence since 2010

Chancellor Tom Case (at podium) opens the press conference and thanks
the UAA Justice Center researchers and victims' services advocates.

The results of the 2015 Alaska Victimization Survey for the Municipality of Anchorage were released on August 26 at a press conference at the University of Alaska Anchorage. The 2015 survey was conducted by the University of Alaska Anchorage Justice Center for the Council on Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault  (CDVSA) and shows a decline in intimate partner and sexual violence in Anchorage since 2010. Ms. Lauree Morton, CDVSA Executive Director, and Dr. André Rosay, Justice Center Director, presented the findings. 

Ms. Lauree Morton, CDVSA, (at podium) discusses the background of the survey. L to r: Dr. André Rosay, Justice Center; Ms. Mara Kimmel, First Lady of Anchorage; Ms. Keeley Olson, Standing Together Against Rape;
Ms. Suzi Pearson, Abused Women's Aid in Crisis; and Dr. Lindsey Blumenstein, Justice Center.

Results:
The 2015 Alaska Victimization Survey for the Municipality of Anchorage was conducted from May to August 2015. The survey was designed to measure lifetime and past-year experiences of sexual violence and intimate partner violence. Findings include:

• 1 in 2 adult women in the Municipality of Anchorage (48%) have experienced intimate partner violence, sexual violence or both, in their lifetime;
• 1 in 13 have experienced intimate partner violence, sexual violence or both, in the past year;
• The percentage of women in the Municipality of Anchorage who have experienced intimate partner violence, sexual violence, or both in their lifetime dropped from 55% to 48%.
• The percentage of women who have experienced intimate partner violence, sexual violence, or both in the past year dropped from 10% to 8%.
• Rates of violence against women in the Municipality of Anchorage remain unacceptably high.

Results from the 2015 survey of sexual violence against UAA students were also presented by Dr. Lindsey Blumenstein, Justice Center faculty. Conducted in the spring of 2016, this survey measured the prevalence of sexual misconduct and sexual assault against UAA students, both on and off campus. Findings include:

• From January 2015 to Spring 2016, 1 in 10 UAA students have experienced sexual assault and/or misconduct.
• 1 in 30 have experienced sexual assault.
• 1 in 11 have experienced sexual misconduct.

Details of the 2015 AVS are available at: https://www.uaa.alaska.edu/academics/college-of-health/departments/justice-center/research/alaska-victimization-survey/anchorage.cshtml
Summary document
PowerPoint presentation

MORE INFORMATION:
For more background on this project, visit http://www.uaa.alaska.edu/justice/avs
For more information about CDVSA, visit http://www.dps.state.ak.us/CDVSA/
To learn more about Abused Women’s Aid in Crisis, visit http://www.awaic.org
To learn more about Standing Together Against Rape, visit http://www.staralaska.com/

Alaska Victimization Survey results for Municipality of Anchorage to be released Friday, August 26, at UAA

WHAT:
Victimization Survey Results for Anchorage
This press conference will introduce the results of the 2015 victimization survey conducted in the Municipality of Anchorage by the UAA Justice Center through a contract with the Alaska Council on Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault (CDVSA).

The survey was designed to measure lifetime and past-year experiences of sexual violence and intimate partner violence.  A brief overview of the survey will be followed by a presentation of the data and a discussion of the results.  The 2015 results will also be compared to results from the 2010-11 victimization surveys.

In addition, results from the 2015 survey of sexual violence against UAA students will also be presented.  Conducted in the spring of 2016, this survey measured the prevalence of sexual misconduct and sexual assault against UAA students, both on and off campus.

WHEN and WHERE:
Lucy Cuddy Hall, University of Alaska Anchorage
Friday August 26, 2016
1:30 pm to 2:30 pm

WHO:
Chancellor Tom Case, UAA - Introductory comments
Ms. Lauree Morton, Executive Director, Alaska Council on Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault
Dr. André B. Rosay, Director, UAA Justice Center
Dr. Lindsey Blumenstein, Assistant Professor, UAA Justice Center
Dr. Mara Kimmel, First Lady of Anchorage
Ms. Suzi Pearson, Executive Director, Abused Women’s Aid in Crisis
Ms. Keeley Olson, Executive Director, Standing Together Against Rape

MORE INFORMATION:
For more background on this project, visit http://www.uaa.alaska.edu/justice/avs
For more information about CDVSA, visit http://www.dps.state.ak.us/CDVSA/
To learn more about Abused Women’s Aid in Crisis, visit http://www.awaic.org 
To learn more about Standing Together Against Rape, visit http://www.staralaska.com/

 

Alaska Victimization Survey results to be released Friday, August 26 at UAA

WHAT:
Victimization Survey Results for Anchorage
This press conference will introduce the results of the 2015 victimization survey conducted in the Municipality of Anchorage by the UAA Justice Center through a contract with the Alaska Council on Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault (CDVSA).

The survey was designed to measure lifetime and past-year experiences of sexual violence and intimate partner violence.  A brief overview of the survey will be followed by a presentation of the data and a discussion of the results.  The 2015 results will also be compared to results from the 2010-11 victimization surveys.

In addition, results from the 2015 survey of sexual violence against UAA students will also be presented.  Conducted in the spring of 2016, this survey measured the prevalence of sexual misconduct and sexual assault against UAA students, both on and off campus.


WHEN and WHERE:
Lucy Cuddy Hall, University of Alaska Anchorage
Friday August 26, 2016
1:30 pm to 2:30 pm


WHO:
Chancellor Tom Case, UAA - Introductory comments
Ms. Lauree Morton, Executive Director, Alaska Council on Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault
Dr. André B. Rosay, Director, UAA Justice Center
Dr. Lindsey Blumenstein, Assistant Professor, UAA Justice Center
Dr. Mara Kimmel, First Lady of Anchorage
Ms. Suzi Pearson, Executive Director, Abused Women’s Aid in Crisis
Ms. Keeley Olson, Executive Director, Standing Together Against Rape

MORE INFORMATION:
For more background on this project, visit http://www.uaa.alaska.edu/justice/avs
For more information about CDVSA, visit http://www.dps.state.ak.us/CDVSA/
To learn more about Abused Women’s Aid in Crisis, visit http://www.awaic.org 
To learn more about Standing Together Against Rape, visit http://www.staralaska.com/

Dr. Blumenstein is keynote speaker at Choose Respect event in Anchorage on March 24

Dr.  Blumenstein speaking at Town Square
Park on March 24.

Dr. Lindsey Blumenstein, Justice Center faculty, was the keynote speaker at the Choose Respect March on Thursday, March 24 in Anchorage.  Dr. Blumenstein discussed the 2015 estimates from the statewide Alaska Victimization Survey.

The results from the 2015 Alaska Victimization Survey conducted by the University of Alaska Anchorage Justice Center for the Council on Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault  (CDVSA) show a decline in intimate partner and sexual violence in Alaska since 2010.  While the numbers are getting better, they remain unacceptably high.
 
Dr. Blumenstein's research areas include intimate partner violence, campus sexual assault, substance abuse, and criminological theory. The event was sponsored by the Council on Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault (CDVSA) and the Zonta Club of Anchorage.

Dr. Blumenstein is keynote speaker at Choose Respect March on March 24 in Anchorage

Dr. Lindsey Blumenstein, Justice Center faculty, will be the keynote speaker at the Choose Respect March on Thursday, March 24 in Anchorage. The event is sponsored by the Council on Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault (CDVSA) and the Zonta Club of Anchorage.

The March begins at 12:00 noon and ends at Town Square Park where Dr. Blumenstein will give her keynote address.

Dr. Rosay's presentation March 14 to Alaska Senate Judiciary Committee has been cancelled due to budget discussions

The presentation about the statewide 2015 Alaska Victimization Survey (AVS) by Dr. André Rosay, Justice Center Director, to the Alaska Senate Judiciary Committee, has been cancelled due to state budget discussions.  Lauree Morton, Executive Director, Council on Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault was to co-present with Dr. Rosay.

Dr. Rosay and Ms. Morton were to discuss data from both the 2010 and 2015 statewide AVS.  The results from the 2015 Alaska Victimization Survey conducted by the University of Alaska Anchorage Justice Center for the Council on Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault  (CDVSA) show a decline in intimate partner and sexual violence in Alaska since 2010.  While the numbers are getting better, they remain unacceptably high.

Dr. Rosay presents to the Alaska Senate Judiciary about the Alaska Victimization Survey results on Monday, March 14

Dr. André Rosay, Justice Center Director, has been invited to present data from the statewide 2015 Alaska Victimization Survey (AVS) to a meeting of the Alaska Senate Judiciary Committee on Monday, March 14, 2016,at 1:30 p.m. in the Capitol Building, Juneau. Lauree Morton, Executive Director, Council on Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault will be co-presenting with Dr. Rosay.

They will be discussing data from both the 2010 and 2015 statewide AVS.  The results from the 2015 Alaska Victimization Survey conducted by the University of Alaska Anchorage Justice Center for the Council on Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault  (CDVSA) show a decline in intimate partner and sexual violence in Alaska since 2010.  While the numbers are getting better, they remain unacceptably high.

Members of the Senate Judiciary Standing Committee are Senators McGuire (Chair), Coghill (Vice-Chair), Costello, Micciche, and Wielechowski.

2015 Alaska Victimization Survey results show decline in Intimate Partner and Sexual Violence in Alaska since 2010

The results released February 25, 2016 in Juneau from the 2015 Alaska Victimization Survey conducted by the University of Alaska Anchorage Justice Center for the Council on Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault  (CDVSA) show a decline in intimate partner and sexual violence in Alaska since 2010.

In 2010, 12 in 100 women had experienced intimate partner violence, sexual violence, or both in Alaska during the previous year. By 2015, that number dropped to 8 in 100.

By 2015:

• Intimate partner violence decreased by 32%.
• Sexual violence decreased by 33%.
• 6,566 fewer women experienced intimate partner violence in 2015 than in 2010.
• 3,072 fewer women experienced sexual violence in 2015 than 2010.

Lauree Morton, CDVSA Executive Director, noted, " The survey supports the need for and the benefits of continuing prevention and education efforts statewide. Maintaining these programs is important for Alaska to continue to reduce the violence. Continuing to survey and analyze data helps to make better decisions about how the programs we are using are making a difference."

Details of the survey are available at: http://www.uaa.alaska.edu/justice/avs

• Summary document
• PowerPoint presentation

More information:
For more background on this project, visit http://www.uaa.alaska.edu/justice/avs
For more information about CDVSA, visit http://dps.alaska.gov/cdvsa/

Dr. Rosay and Lauree Morton, CDVSA Executive Director, present at Alaska Health Summit

Dr. Andre Rosay, Justice Center Director, and Lauree Morton, Executive Director of the Alaska Council on Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault (CDVSA), presented at the 33rd Annual Alaska Health Summit convened by the Alaska Public Health Association.

Dr. Rosay and Ms. Morton presented information about the Alaska Victimization Survey, the Alaska Dashboard on key issues impacting domestic violence and sexual assault in Alaska, and the leading health indicators included in Healthy Alaskans 2020 to reduce the number of Alaskans experiencing domestic violence and sexual assault.

Grant awarded to Dr. Lepage and Dr. Blumenstein to conduct survey about attitudes in Alaska toward sexual assault and domestic violence

Dr. Cory R. Lepage and Dr. Lindsey Blumenstein, Justice faculty, were recently awarded a grant by the Council on Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault (CDVSA) to conduct a statewide survey to obtain valid and reliable estimates of knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs about sexual assault and domestic violence.

This Knowledge, Attitudes, and Beliefs (KAB) Survey will be sent to adult men and women in Alaska. Surveys are in the process of being mailed out, and respondents will also have the option of filling out the survey online. A final report on the data collected from the survey will be submitted to CDVSA later this spring. 

Recent Alaska Victimization Survey data featured in article in The Nome Nugget

Alaska Victimization Survey (AVS) data from the recently released estimates for the Nome Census Area are featured in an article in The Nome Nugget. The survey was conducted by the Council on Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault (CDVSA) and the UAA Justice Center.

Read the article here:
"Survey sheds light on sexual violence against women" by Diana Haecker. The Nome Nugget, 5 March 2015.

Alaska Victimization Survey estimates for the Nome Census Area were also featured in the following media reports:

•  "The Arctic This Week February 16–22, 2015," Feb 25, 2015 — The Arctic Institute, Center for Circumpolar Security Studies
• "We can't deal with Alaska's violence until we recognize it, " opinion piece, Feb 24, 2015 — Alaska Dispatch News
• "Survey finds widespread violence against women in Alaska," Feb 21, 2015 — Institute of American Studies (Tehran, Iran)
• "Violence against women widespread in Western Alaska region," Feb 20, 2015 — High North News (Bodø, Norway)
• "New survey finds widespread violence against women in western Alaska region," Feb 20, 2015 — The Tribune (Seymour, IN)
• "Survey finds widespread violence against women in Alaska," Feb 20, 2015 — Moulton Advertiser (AL)
• "Survey finds widespread violence against Nome-area women," Feb 20, 2015 — Fort Mill Times (SC)
• "Survey finds widespread violence against Nome-area women," Feb 20, 2015 — York and Clover Enquirer Herald (SC)
• "New survey finds widespread violence against women in western Alaska region," Feb 20, 2015 — Times-Post (Pendleton, IN)
• "New survey finds widespread violence against women in western Alaska region," Feb 20, 2015 — Greenfield Reporter (Greenfield, IN)
• "New survey finds widespread violence against women in western Alaska region," Feb 20, 2015 — Daily Journal (Franklin, IN)
• "Survey finds widespread violence against Nome-area women," Feb 20, 2015 — Peninsula Clarion
• "Survey finds widespread violence against women in Alaska," Feb 20, 2015 — KINY Radio 800-AM (Juneau)
• "Survey finds widespread violence against Nome-area women," Feb 20, 2015 — Juneau Empire
• "Survey finds widespread violence against women in Alaska," Feb 20, 2015 — Fairbanks Daily News-Miner
• "Survey finds violence against women widespread in Western Alaska region," Feb 19, 2015 — Alaska Dispatch News

Details of the survey are available at: http://justice.uaa.alaska.edu/avs/nome.html.

• Summary document
• PowerPoint presentation

More Information:
For more background on this project, visit http://justice.uaa.alaska.edu/avs
For more information about CDVSA, visit http://www.dps.state.ak.us/CDVSA/

Alaska Victimization Survey results show that more than half of adult women in the Nome Census Area have experienced intimate partner violence or sexual violence or both

The results of the 2014 Alaska Victimization Survey for the Nome Census Area were released on February 11 in Nome. The troubling numbers show that:

• 51% of adult women in the Nome Census Area have experienced intimate partner violence, sexual violence or both, in their lifetime;
• 11% have experienced intimate partner violence, sexual violence or both, in the past year; 
• More than 3 out of every 10 adult women in the Nome Census Area have experienced sexual violence in their lifetime; and 
• More than 4 out of every 10 have experienced intimate partner violence in their lifetime.

Due to the survey’s limitations, these are conservative estimates.

The survey was designed to measure the lifetime and past year exposure to sexual violence and intimate partner violence. It was conducted from April to June 2014 in the Nome Census Area through a contract with the Council on Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault (CDVSA). Respondents were randomly selected by phone (using both land lines and cellphones).

Details of the survey are available at: http://www.uaa.alaska.edu/justice/avs/

• Summary document
• PowerPoint presentation

More Information:
For more background on this project, visit http://www.uaa.alaska.edu/justice/avs/
For more information about CDVSA, visit http://www.dps.state.ak.us/CDVSA/

Bering Sea Women’s Group:
The Bering Sea Women’s Group provides community and village information for men, women and children who are victims of domestic violence, sexual assault and other violent crimes.  It offers a wide range of advocacy and support services, including safety planning, emergency shelter, crisis intervention, referrals and help with housing and public assistance, children’s services, parenting classes and much more.  Their 24-hour crisis line is 1-800-570-5444 or 907-443-5444.

Alaska Victimization Survey website redesign now online

The Alaska Victimization Survey (AVS) website has been redesigned and is now online. The AVS is conducted annually by the State of Alaska Council on Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault and the University of Alaska Anchorage Justice Center.

The survey provides estimates of intimate partner violence and sexual violence experienced by adult women in Alaska as follows:

• 2010: Statewide estimates
• 2011: Anchorage, Fairbanks, Juneau, and Bristol Bay 
• 2012: Kodiak, Sitka, and Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta
• 2013: Matanuska-Susitna, Kenai Peninsula, and Ketchikan

2014 estimates will be released in late 2014.

Dr. Myrstol presents violence against women research at Shepherd's Care Forum

Dr. Myrstol discusses findings from the Alaska Victimization Survey (AVS).

Dr. Brad Myrstol, Justice faculty and Director of the Alaska Justice Statistical Analysis Center (AJSAC), presented research on violence against women in Alaska at the recent Shepherd's Care Forum. The September 19 event was sponsored by the Church of Anchorage and held at the State Crime Lab. Dr. Myrstol presented findings from the Alaska Victimization Survey, which is an ongoing survey conducted by the Council on Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault (CDVSA) and the UAA Justice Center.

Lauree Morton presents information on victim services.

Lauree Morton, Executive Director of the CDVSA, also spoke at the forum, and presented information on the resources and services available statewide for victims of domestic violence and sexual assault.

The forum's organizers noted that the goal of the forum was to better equip faith leaders to provide needed care for those suffering from issues of domestic violence and sexual assault, and to discover and connect them with resources  for victims in the Anchorage area.  Attendance included 67 individuals, representing 40 faith-based organizations and/or collaborating resource agencies.

CNN series of articles on violence against women in Alaska cites Justice Center research

A recent series of articles in February and March by CNN reporter John Sutter explored the issue of violence against women in Alaska.  For the series, Mr. Sutter interviewed Dr. André Rosay, Justice Center Director, and highlighted research on this topic from the Alaska Victimization Survey and other Justice Center reports.  Links to articles in the CNN series are listed below.

Dr. Rosay also participated in a CNN webinar with John Sutter on February 4 about this tragic problem.

Impact of the Alaska Victimization Survey
From February 7 article, "Governor: "Alaska has an epidemic"

Across Alaska, I saw the power of a statewide survey analyzed by the University of Alaska Anchorage Justice Center, and funded by the state.  "The survey effectively ended debate about whether Alaska has a problem with domestic violence and sexual assault," said André Rosay, director of the center. The 2010 survey of 871 adult women found 37% had suffered sexual violence and 59% had been the victim of sexual violence and/or intimate partner violence in their lifetimes.

"It was shocking and distressing for many people" to see how common violence against women really was in Alaska, said Lauree Morton, executive director of the Alaska Council on Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault, a state-funded agency. That survey also has spurred change.

How You Can Help
From February 6 article, "This 104-year old woman started a secret women's shelter; help her change Alaska"  (The following is a condensed version. Please see the original article for the full text.)

"Here are five simple ways you can help make a difference:

1. Donate to worthy organizations
2. Start a petition to get cops in every village
3. Tell your story as part of the 'We are the 59%' [59% refers to the statewide estimate of the number of adult women in Alaska who have experienced intimate partner violence or sexual violence or both in their lifetime according to the 2010 Alaska Victimization Survey]
4. Host a 'Choose Respect' rally (from your phone) [the next Choose Respect event will be March 27 in Alaska communities statewide. See Governor Parnell's webpage for details.]
5. Demand rape kits are counted and tested"

Links to CNN series articles by John Sutter:

• Change the list: The rapist next door
  Feb 4, 2014 — CNN.com
• The lawless 'end of the land'
  Feb 4, 2014 — CNN.com
•  Opinion: The lawless 'end of the land' (video)
  Feb 3, 2014 — CNN.com
• Meet Alaska's pioneer woman
  Feb 4, 2014 — CNN.com
• Opinion: Alaska's 'resident evil' of rape (video)
  Feb 3, 2014 — CNN.com
• List: States where rape is most common
  Feb 4, 2014 — CNN.com
•  This 104-year-old started a secret women's shelter; help her change Alaska
  Feb 6, 2014 — CNN.com
• Governor: 'Alaska has an epidemic'
  Feb 7, 2014 — CNN.com
• 'We are the 59%'
  Feb 13, 2014 — CNN.com
  
• Nope, not too many men in Alaska
  Feb 17, 2014 — CNN.com
• Kids in Alaska don't have to take sex ed
  Mar 4, 2014 — CNN.com
  
• https://mobile.twitter.com/cnnbrk/status/430571715295338496
  Feb 3, 2014 - Twitter