Blumenstein recognized with 2017 Chancellor's Award for Excellence

Dr. Lindsey Blumenstein

Dr. Lindsey Blumenstein is a recipient of a 2017 Chancellor's Award for Excellence. Join us in Congratulating Dr. Blumenstein on this outstanding achievement.

Dr. Blumenstein's award was in the category of Excellence in Academic Research / Creative Activity, in recognition of the significant and positive impact to UAA and Alaska of her research on intimate partner and sexual violence. To learn more about her research, see her faculty profile page.

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.

Justice faculty celebrate opening of new advocacy center

L-R: Dr. Brad Myrstol, director of the Alaska Justice Statistical Analysis Center and Alaska Justice Information Center,
 Dr. Lindsey Blumenstein, Justice faculty, UAA Chancellor Tom Case and Dr. Andre Rosay, Justice Center director, attend the opening of the Center for Advocacy, Relationships, and Sexual Violence
  on UAA's campus, April 21. (Photo by Charlotte Titus)

Media stories:

• "Standing Together against Rape Opens Office in the Student Health and Counseling Center"  by Brenda Craig.  The Northern Light, 20 Mar 2017.
• "UAA Opens on-Campus Center to Address Sexual Violence" (includes video 2:36) by Lauren Maxwell.  KTVA Channel 11 News, 21 Apr 2017

Center for Advocacy, Relationships, and Sexual Violence grand opening April 21

The 2016 University of Alaska Campus Climate Survey, conducted by Dr. Lindsey Blumenstein, Justice faculty, found that few University of Alaska students who experienced sexual violence chose to disclose their victimization to authorities or a sexual assault advocate. The results of the campus climate survey, in combination with efforts of many across UAA to provide better victim services, led to a partnership with STAR and the opening of the Center for Advocacy, Relationships, and Sexual Violence, on UAA's campus. The Justice Center encourages you to attend the ceremony marking the opening on Friday, April 21, in Rasmuson Hall 118.

Sen. Dan Sullivan thanks Dr. Blumenstein for highlighting "critical issue for our State"

Sen. Sullivan congratulates
Dr. Lindsey Blumenstein
on receiving the
 Rose Day Award
from the Zonta Club of
Anchorage

Dr. Lindsey Blumenstein, Justice faculty, received a congratulatory note from Sen. Dan Sullivan after Dr. Blumenstein was recognized by the Zonta Club of Anchorage for her work to improve the lives of Alaskans through research into domestic violence and sexual assault.  Sen. Sullivan thanked Dr. Blumenstein for her work to highlight this "critical issue for our State."

Zonta Club awards Blumenstein at Choose Respect event

Dr. Lindsey Blumenstein speaks at Choose Respect event

Dr. Lindsey Blumenstein, Justice faculty, spoke of the need for continued work to address intimate partner and sexual violence at yesterday's Choose Respect march in Anchorage. She presented data from the Alaska Victimization Survey on the impact of stalking on victims of intimate partner and sexual violence. In recognition of her work to make a difference in the lives of women and girls of Alaska, Dr. Blumenstein received the Zonta Rose Day award from the Zonta Club of Anchorage.  Zonta is a service organization dedicated to improving the lives of women and children through education, funds and service projects.

Dr. Blumenstein presents data on domestic and sexual violence in Alaska at Juneau event

Watch Dr. Lindsey Blumenstein, Justice Center faculty, present results from the Alaska Victimization Survey and the University of Alaska Campus Climate Survey at a recent "Lunch and Learn" in Juneau. Carmen Lowry, PhD and Wendi Siebold, MA, PhD joined Dr. Blumenstein at the event organized by the Alaska Network on Domestic Violence & Sexual Assault and sponsored by Alaska State Representatives Scott Kawasaki (D-Fairbanks) and Ivy Spohnholz (D-Anchorage).

Video:

• "What Does It Take? Ending Domestic & Sexual Violence in Alaska" (video) by Lindsey Blumenstein, Wendi Siebold, and Carmen Lowery. Lunch & Learn. 51:06 mins. (program starts at 10:30). Juneau, AK: 360 North, 2017.

Dr. Lindsey Blumenstein presents research on sexual assault and domestic violence at Juneau "Lunch and Learn"

Dr. Lindsey Blumenstein, faculty member in the Justice Center, will present results from the Alaska Victimization Survey and the University of Alaska Campus Climate Survey at a "Lunch and Learn" event focused on ending domestic violence and sexual violence in Alaska on Wednesday, February 22 in Juneau. The event is organized by the Alaska Network on Domestic Violence & Sexual Assault and sponsored by Alaska State Representatives Scott Kawasaki (D-Fairbanks)  and Ivy Spohnholz (D-Anchorage).

Video:

• "What Does It Take? Ending Domestic & Sexual Violence in Alaska" (video) by Lindsey Blumenstein, Wendi Siebold, and Carmen Lowery. Lunch & Learn. 51:06 mins. (program starts at 10:30). Juneau, AK: 360 North, 2017.

Justice Center faculty present at American Society of Criminology 2016 Annual Meeting in New Orleans

Drs.  André Rosay, Troy Payne, Marny Rivera, Brad Myrstol, Sharon Chamard, Allan Barnes, Cory R. Lepage, and Lindsey Blumenstein made presentations at the Annual Meeting of the American Society of Criminology in New Orleans in November. This year's conference theme was "The Many Colors of Crime & Justice."

Justice Center faculty made 10 presentations on a range of topics: data from the National Intimate Partner and Sexual Violence Survey (NISVS) -- including elder abuse and polyvictimization, homeless young adults in Anchorage, civil legal needs of crime victims in Alaska,  data centers for criminal justice research, police referrals for prosecution in sexual assault and sexual abuse of a minor cases, public inebriates, and classroom teaching methods.

The American Society of Criminology is an international organization whose members pursue scholarly, scientific, and professional knowledge concerning the measurement, etiology, consequences, prevention, control, and treatment of crime and delinquency.

L to r: Dr. Cory R. Lepage and Dr. Marny Rivera at
their ASC presentation.

Drs. Blumenstein and Payne, APD officers, and AWAIC representative discuss domestic violence at roundtable

Dr. Lindsey Blumenstein and Dr. Troy Payne, Justice faculty, joined APD Officers  Lisa Whitmore and Rhonda Street, and  AWAIC Community Education Coordinator Emily Sannini, at a Domestic Violence Action Roundtable at UAA on October 20.

Panelists for the program (l to r): Dr. Lindsey Blumenstein, Justice Center;
Officer Lisa Whitemore and Officer Rhonda Street, Anchorage Police Dept.;
Emily Sannini, Community Education Coordinator, Abused Women's
Aid in Crisis (AWAIC); and Dr. Troy Payne, Justice Center.

The discussion centered on how frequently domestic violence occurs, how to help victims, and what the process of reporting to the police is like  — all with a focus on what everyone can do to prevent domestic violence.







View the short video clip of Dr. Blumenstein:
This event was co-sponsored by the UAA Justice Center and the Justice Club. Dr. Troy Payne is the faculty advisor for the Justice Club.

UAA Justice Club students address the attendees.
L to r standing: Jonathan Gonzalez, member-at-large;
Brianna Baldwin, treasurer; Bradley Foster, president.

Dr. Blumenstein interviewed for KTUU Channel 2 News series The Red Zone: Part 1

Dr. Lindsey Blumenstein, Justice faculty, was interviewed by KTUU Channel 2 News recently about  UAA student and the risk of sexual assault and rape.  The news report was part 1 in a 3-part series called the "Red Zone," a term describing the first 13 weeks of the fall semester on a college campus when students are at a higher risk of being sexually assaulted or raped. 

Dr. Blumenstein described the courses she teaches about this issue and her recent research. When asked about how to stay safe, she noted, ""I think the idea that it's always going to be this stranger is a bad idea to put into a person's head because it's actually more likely to be somebody you're in a relationship with or somebody you were in a relationship with."

See the full story here:
"The Red Zone, Part 1," by Ariane Aramburo. KTUU Channel 2 News. 01 Nov 2016

Part 2 of this series airs November 2, and Part 3 on November 3.

Come to the Domestic Violence Action Month Roundtable Discussion tonight in LIB 307!

The Justice Club is sponsoring a Domestic Violence Action Month Roundtable Discussion tonight.

What:  Domestic Violence Action Month Roundtable Discussion
When:  Thursday, October 20, 2016, 7:00 pm-8:00 pm
Where:  UAA/APU Consortium Library, LIB 307

Join Justice Center faculty Dr. Lindsey Blumenstein and Dr. Troy Payne,  and Officer Rhonda Street and Officer Lisa Whitmore of the Anchorage Police Department, for a discussion of domestic violence in Alaska.  This panel will discuss how frequently domestic violence occurs, how to help victims, what the process of reporting to the police is like, and circumstances where reporting to police may not be the best course of action for the victim — all with a focus on what everyone can do to prevent domestic violence. 

This event is co-sponsored by the Justice Club and the Justice Center.

Dr. Blumenstein participates in Alaska Quarterly Review panel discussion about rape at Anchorage Museum

Dr. Lindsey Blumenstein, Justice faculty, was a panelist at the October 7 UAA Alaska Quarterly Review (AQR)  program, "A Voice Against the Culture of Rape."  The program began with the dramatic reading of an essay about campus rape and its aftermath. The essay, "White Horse," is by Eliese Goldbach, a writer who lives and works in Cleveland, Ohio, and was published recently in AQR. AQR is the literary journal of the University of Alaska Anchorage.

Panelists included victim advocates and survivors of sexual assault. Dr. Blumenstein researches campus sexual assault and violence against women and is a frequent speaker on these issues.

Read the story here:
"Panelists openly discuss rape in Alaska, and its devastating aftermath" by Travis Khachatoorian.  KTUU Channel 2 News. 7 Oct 2016

Domestic violence research by Justice Center and AJSAC highlighted in Seawolf Monthly

The October 2016 issue of  Seawolf Monthly highlights the domestic violence research, education, and prevention efforts on the UAA campus in the article, "Shining light into the darkness of domestic violence." Seawolf Monthly is an electronic newsletter sent to university and community partners. The article is also noted on the UAA homepage.

The article focuses on research being done by Dr. André Rosay, Justice Center Director; Dr. Lindsey Blumenstein, Justice Center faculty; Dr. Brad Myrstol, Alaska Justice Statistical Analysis (AJSAC) Director; and Khristy Parker, MPA, AJSAC Research Professional.

The story notes:

"The Justice Center’s André Rosay, Lindsey Blumenstein, Brad Myrstol and Khristy Parker have conducted recent research and surveys that more sharply define where and why domestic violence happens in Anchorage and other areas of the state, how it looks in rural versus urban areas, helping lawmakers, Alaska State Troopers and others in the community better understand its nuances so they can more effectively address domestic violence issues.'The intention of [the Alaska Department of Public Safety’s] collaboration with the university is to embrace and learn from the results from the study—a step toward data-driven policymaking and maximizing the use of very limited departmental resources,' the troopers said in a January 2016 press release."

Read the full article here: 

"Shining light into the darkness of domestic violence" by Tracy Kalytiak. Green & Gold News. 17 Oct 2016 and Seawolf Monthly Oct 2016.

AJSAC releases Fact Sheet - Sexual Violence Committed Against University of Alaska Students, by Gender

The 16-05 issue of the AJSAC Fact Sheet, "Sexual Violence Committed Against University of Alaska Students, by Gender," presents separate estimates of sexual violence, including sexual misconduct and sexual assault victimization both on and off campus, against women and men enrolled at the University of Alaska (UA) in spring semester 2016. Women- and men-specific estimates are provided for the UA system as a whole only.

The results presented here are based on the survey responses of a randomly selected sample of 1,982 undergraduate and graduate students who were enrolled at any of the three UA major administrative units (MAUs) — UA Anchorage (UAA), UA Fairbanks (UAF), or UA Southeast (UAS) during spring semester 2016. This survey was modeled after the Campus Climate Survey Recommendations prepared by the White House Task Force to Protect Students from Sexual Assault.

Dr. Lindsey Blumenstein, Justice Center faculty, and Dr. Brad Myrstol, Director, Alaska Justice Statistical Analysis Center (AJSAC), are the authors of this Fact Sheet.

Dr. Blumenstein presents on intimate partner violence at Alaska Maternal Child Health & Immunization Conference

Dr. Lindsey Blumenstein, Justice faculty, presented at the 2016 Alaska Maternal Child Health & Immunization Conference in Anchorage on September 27.  She discussed "Intimate Partner Violence, Mental Health, and Food Insecurity."

In her comments, Dr. Blumenstein noted that preliminary evidence suggests intimate partner violence (IPV) impacts food insecurity, and food insecurity is clearly associated with adverse mental health problems. She suggests that given the high rate of IPV in Alaska, more research is needed to clarify the interaction of IPV and food insecurity on the mental health of women across racial/ethnic groups, especially American Indian and Alaska Native women.

A focus of the conference was best practices or tools for the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of key women's, children's, and adolescents' health issues in Alaska. This biennial event is sponsored by the Alaska Native Epidemiology Center and the Alaska Division of Public Health, Section of Women's, Children's, and Family Health.

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/

 

Dr. Blumenstein invited to be panelist at October 7 Alaska Quarterly Review dramatic reading of essay on campus rape and its aftermath

Dr. Lindsey Blumenstein, Justice faculty, has been invited to be a panelist at the October 7 Alaska Quarterly Review (AQR) dramatic reading of an essay about campus rape and its aftermath. The essay, "White Horse," is by Eliese Goldbach. Ms. Goldbach is a writer who lives and works in Cleveland, Ohio.

Following the reading, panelists will provide scholarly, legal, advocacy, and artistic perspectives on the essay.  This event is free.

What: AQR dramatic reading of "White Horse"
Where: Anchorage Museum, 625 C Street
When: Friday, October 7 - 7:00 p.m

Dr. Blumenstein researches campus sexual assault and violence against women and is a frequent speaker on these issues.

Spring 2016 of the Alaska Justice Forum released

The Spring 2016 issue of the Alaska Justice Forum includes articles focusing on University of Alaska students' disclosures of sexual misconduct and sexual assault victimizations; a summary of the provisions of the criminal justice reform measure Senate Bill 91 "Omnibus Criminal Law & Procedure; Corrections" enacted into law in July 2016 ; and findings from a survey of Anchorage adults on perceptions of youth marijuana use and youth non-medical use of prescription drugs.

"University of Alaska Students’ Disclosures of Sexual Misconduct and Sexual Assault Victimizations" by Brad A. Myrstol and Lindsey Blumenstein

This article uses data collected for the University of Alaska Campus Climate Survey to explore how often University of Alaska (UA) students who experienced sexual misconduct or sexual assault, either on or off campus, disclosed their victimizations to others. The likelihood of victimization disclosure in relation to the type of victimization, the persons or institutions to whom disclosure was made, and the demographic characteristics of UA student victims are also examined.

"Senate Bill 91: Summary of Policy Reforms"

This article highlights provisions of Senate Bill 91, "Omnibus Criminal Law & Procedure; Corrections Act," related to the recommendations of the Alaska Criminal Justice Commission. SB91 was signed into law on July 11, 2016.

"Youth Marijuana and Prescription Drug Abuse in Anchorage"
by Marny Rivera and Cory R. Lepage

This article examines results of the Adult Perceptions of Anchorage Youth: 2015 Survey (APAYS) to examine perceptions and concerns of Anchorage adults, both parents and non-parents, about youth marijuana use and youth non-medical use of prescription drugs. A resource list is included.

"New Staff"

Elaine Main has joined the staff of the Justice Center as an Academic Program Specialist.

"New Look and Web Addresses for the Justice Center"

The Justice Center, the Alaska Justice Statistical Analysis Center (AJSAC), and the Alaska Justice Information Center (AJIC), have new web addresses and a new look to their web pages as part of the new UAA website redesign.

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/