Northern Light cites Alaska Victimization Survey to highlight efforts to address intimate partner violence and sexual assault

The Northern Light used the 2015 Alaska Victimization Survey (AVS) to underscore the need to address intimate partner violence and sexual assault, stating that nearly one in two Anchorage women experience intimate partner violence, sexual assault, or both in their lifetime.

Keeley Olson, executive director of Standing Together Against Rape (STAR), added that rates of child sexual abuse in Alaska are six times higher than those in the lower 48 and that once someone is harmed, they are more likely to be harmed again. It is very important to prevent the first occurrence of sexual violence, she said.

Open communication is important. “As it becomes more mainstream to speak about it, the stigma and blame will dissipate. If everyone would express belief and offer support to those impacted, rather than laying blame, or making excuses, it would make a world of difference,” Olson said in the Northern Light article.

The article listed several initiatives at UAA that are increasing awareness about intimate partner violence and sexual assault including the mandatory Title IX training and the Take Back the Night March in September. UAA has also done 21 bystander training presentations according to Betty Bang, a nurse practitioner at the Student Health and Counseling Center. The goal is to help students get involved in intervening.

Myrstol endorses thoughtful approach when testing sexual assault kits

Interim Justice Center Director
Dr. Brad Myrstol

Dr. Brad Myrstol, Interim Justice Center Director, urged patience regarding the use of $1.1 million that the state received for testing DNA evidence from sexual assaults from around the state. “It requires patience, and on a topic, frankly, that people may not have much patience,” Myrstol said in an interview reported in a recent Juneau Empire story.

Myrstol, a member of the statewide Sexual Assault Kit Initiative (SAKI) working Group, endorsed the thoughtful and deliberative approach the group is taking both to determine factors that have led to a backlog in testing and how best to protect victims from being re-traumatized when kits are tested.

Need to break the silence continues beyond April

Justice Club wraps up "Breaking the Silence" event during April, Sexual Assault Awareness Month. Every Tuesday and Thursday in April, club members  provided an opportunity for people to share their words or story to raise awareness and break the silence about sexual assault.

Media coverage:

 "UAA Breaking the Silence" (video) by Joshua Maxwell.  KTBY Fox 4 / YourAlaskaLink.com, 26 Apr 2017.

Justice Club member Joseph Mizel being interviewed
by KTBY Fox 4 reporter about "Breaking the Silence."

Justice Club member Joseph McMahon pins
Break the Silence button on Dr. Allan Barnes,
Justice faculty.

Justice Club members L-R Austin Rogers, Brad Foster,
Alex Cole and Joey Sweet.

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.

Governor cites Justice Center research in State of the State address

Gov. Bill Walker
Photo by James Brook (Used by license)

Wednesday, January 18, 2017 — In his State of the State Address before a joint session of the 30th Alaska State Legislature, Governor Bill Walker highlighted violence in our communities and in our homes as a significant challenge to tackle.  Citing statistics from the Alaska Victimization Survey that show that half of Alaska’s women experience sexualviolence, intimate partner violence, or both in their lifetimes, Governor Walker renewed his commitment to reducing violence in our communities and in our homes.  “While the rate is down from 59 percent in 2010,” Governor Walker said, “it is still deplorable.”  The Governor recognized the many individuals and groups that are working on prevention. He also discussed the need to improve responses to sex crimes.  “Justice delayed is justice denied,” he explained, and “victims deserve justice.”

The Alaska Victimization Survey is conducted by the Justice Center for the Council on Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault (CDVSA).  It provides comprehensive statewide and regional data to guide planning and policy development and to evaluate the impact of prevention and intervention services.  New stalking estimates were released on January 17, 2017, showing that 1 in 3 women in Alaska have experienced stalking in their lifetime.

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.

White House and U.S. Attorney General cite research by Dr. Rosay

The White House has released a Fact Sheet for the North American Working Group on Violence against Indigenous Women and Girls.  The Fact Sheet cites research from Dr. André Rosay’s National Institute of Justice report, Violence Against American Indian and Alaska Native Women and Men: 2010 Findings From the National Intimate Partner and Sexual Violence Survey.  During the Working Group meeting, Attorney Generals from the United States, Mexico, and Canada delivered remarks.  In her remarks, U.S. Attorney General Loretta Lynch discussed how the disturbing statistics in Dr. Rosay’s research have supported the Obama administration’s work to help indigenous women live without fear of sexual assault and domestic violence.  

Read the Attorney General's remarks here.
Read Dr. Rosay's report here.

From the White House Fact Sheet:
Prevalence Report on National Rates of Violence against Alaska Native and American Indian Women and Men: In May 2016, NIJ released a new report: Violence Against American Indian and Alaska Native Women and Men: 2010 Findings From the National Intimate Partner and Sexual Violence Survey. This study examines the prevalence of violence against American Indian (AI) and Alaska Native (AN) women and men, using a large nationally representative sample. The results — which show high rates of violence for both women and men — provide the most thorough assessment on the extent of violence against AI and AN women and men to date. Findings from the study estimate levels of sexual violence, physical violence by intimate partners, stalking, and psychological aggression by intimate partners among AI and AN women and men, as well as estimates of interracial victimization.

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

Dr. Rosay interviewed by KTUU Channel 2 News about high rates of violence and sexually offensive language

Dr. André Rosay, Justice Center Director, was interviewed recently by KTUU Channel 2 News about the high rates of sexual violence in Alaska and sexually abusive language.  Dr. Rosay stated, “Words absolutely matter,” .... “We all have role in making it clear that violence against women is not tolerated in our society.”

Read the full story here:
"In a state with high rates of sexual violence, Alaskans weigh in on Trump's remarks" by Paula Dobbyn. KTUU Channel 2 News. 13 Oct 2016

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.

National Institute of Justice research report by Dr. Rosay cited in White House blog by White House Advisor on Violence Against Women

Research from a recent National Institute of Justice (NIJ) report by Dr. André Rosay, Justice Center Director, was cited in the White House blog in a July 25, 2016 post by  Carrie Bettinger-Lopez, White House Advisor on Violence Against Women.  The report  by Dr. Rosay is titled, Violence against American Indian and Alaska Native Women and Men: 2010 Findings from the National Intimate Partner and Sexual Violence Survey.

The blog post, "Violence Against Indigenous Women and Girls: Commitments from the North American Leaders Summit," describes how President Obama; Prime Minister of Canada, Justin Trudeau; and the President of Mexico, Enrique Peña Nieto joined forces to announce a tri-lateral commitment to address the scourge of violence against indigenous women and girls that exists across North America.

Ms. Bettinger-Lopez noted in her post, "This May, the magnitude of this violence in our own country was driven home by a new report from the National Institute of Justice (NIJ) with simply staggering statistics. The researchers found that more than 84% of Alaska Native and American Indian women had experienced some form of violence in their lifetimes...."

National Institute of Justice releases flyer based on research by Dr. Rosay - "Five Things About Violence against American Indian and Alaska Native Women and Men"

The National Institute of Justice (NIJ) has released a flyer based on research by Dr. André Rosay, Justice Center Director, entitled "Five Things About Violence Against American Indian and Alaska Native Women and Men."

The flyer highlights the following:

1. Most American Indian and Alaska Native adults are victims of violence.
2. Men and women are victimized at similar rates but in different ways.
3. Victimization rates are higher for American Indians and Alaska Natives.
4. American Indian and Alaska Native female victims are more likely to need services, but they are less likely to have access to those services.
5. For American Indians and Alaska Natives, interracial violence is more prevalent than intraracial violence.

Click here to read Dr. Rosay's full report, Violence Against American Indian and Alaska Native Women and Men: 2010 Findings from the National Intimate Partner and Sexual Violence Survey.

 Click here to download a copy of the flyer.

Dr. Rosay participates in Research for the Real World seminar at the National Institute of Justice with the Office of the Vice President, Office for Victims of Crime, and Office on Violence Against Women

L to r: Dr. Nancy Rodriguez, NIJ; Dr. André Rosay, UAA Justice Center; Carrie Bettinger-Lopez, J.D.,
White House Advisor - Office of the Vice President; Dr. Bea Hanson, Office on Violence Against Women;
and Joye Frost, Office for Victims of Crime, at the seminar.

Dr. André Rosay, Justice Center director, presented findings from his recent research report on violence against American Indian and Alaska Native women and men for the "Research for the Real World" seminar at the National Institute of Justice in Washington, D.C. on June 23.

Following his presentation, he participated in a moderated discussion with Carrie Bettinger-Lopez, J.D., Advisor on Violence Against Women, Office of the Vice President; Joye Frost, Director, Office for Victims of Crime; and Dr. Bea Hanson, Principal Deputy Director, Office on Violence Against Women.  The discussion was moderated by Dr. Nancy Rodriguez, Director, National Institute of Justice.

The seminar was videotaped.  Watch for a blog post with the video link when it is available.

Read Dr. Rosay's research report here.

Dr. Rosay publishes article in National Institute of Justice Journal

Dr. Andre´ Rosay's article titled "Violence Against American Indian and Alaska Native Women and Men"  was published in Issue No. 277 of the National Institute of Justice Journal. The article summarizes key findings on violence against American Indians and Alaska Natives and discusses the Department of Justice’s legal duty and moral obligation to address violent crime against American Indian and Alaska Native people.

Click here to read the article by Dr. Rosay: "Violence Against American Indian and Alaska Native Women and Men."

The NIJ Journal, published several times a year, features articles to help criminal justice policymakers and practitioners stay informed about new developments. It presents research-based information that can help inform policy decisions and improve understanding of the criminal justice system.  

Dr. Rosay participates in Research for the Real World seminar at the National Institute of Justice with the Office of the Vice President, Office for Victims of Crime, and Office on Violence Against Women - attend live online!

Dr. André Rosay, Justice Center director, will present the findings from his recent research report on violence against American Indian and Alaska Native women and men on June 23 for the "Research for the Real World" seminar at the National Institute of Justice in Washington, D.C.

He will then participate in a moderated discussion with Carrie Bettinger-Lopez, J.D., Advisor on Violence Against Women, Office of the Vice President; Joye Frost, Director, Office for Victims of Crime; and Dr. Bea Hanson, Principal Deputy Director, Office on Violence Against Women.  The discussion will be moderated by Dr. Nancy Rodriguez, Director, National Institute of Justice.

Register here to attend the seminar live online.
6:30 a.m. - 8:00 a.m. ADT
Thursday, June 23, 2016 

Note: This event will be videotaped.  Watch for a blog post when the link for the video is available.

Read Dr. Rosay's research report here.

Dr. Rosay presents at congressional briefing on his NIJ report on violence against American Indian and Alaska Native women and men

Dr. André Rosay, Justice Center Director, was one of the panelists giving a June 16 briefing to the U.S. Congress about the recent National Institute of Justice (NIJ) report: "Violence Against American Indian and Alaska Native Women and Men: 2010 Findings from the National Intimate Partner and Sexual Violence Survey." Dr. Rosay is the author of the report.

Senator Lisa Murkowski commented on the importance of the report.  Other presenters included Terri Henry (Co-Chair, National Congress of American Indians Task Force on Violence Against Women; Board Chair, Indian Law Resource Center; Former Chairwoman, Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians), Virginia Davis (Staff attorney, National Congress of American Indians (NCAI)), Theresa Sheldon, Councilwoman (Tulalip Tribes of WA), Deborah Parker (Former Vice-Chair, Tulalip Tribes of WA), and Cherrah Giles (Board President, National Indigenous Women’s Resource Center).

 Click here for Dr. Rosay's PowerPoint presentation at the briefing.

A video of the briefing will be available at a later date.  Watch the blog for details.

Key findings from the report:
More than 4 in 5 American Indian and Alaska Native women have experienced violence in their lifetime. This includes:
      *56.1% who have experienced sexual violence, and
      *55.5% who have experienced physical violence by an intimate partner.
Among American Indian and Alaska Native victims, 90% of women and 85% of men have experienced sexual violence by an interracial intimate partner perpetrator.
 
The briefing was coordinated by the National Indigenous Women's Resource Center (NIWRC), the Indian Law Resource Center, and the National Congress of American Indians.

Group photo after the briefing l to r: Theresa Sheldon, Councilwoman, Tulalip Tribes; Cherrah Giles, NIWRC Board Chair; Deborah Parker, NIWRC Board Member; Leanne Guy, NIWRC Board Secretary; Wendy Schlater, NIWRC Board Treasurer; Carmen O’Leary, NIWRC Board Vice Chair; and Dr. André B. Rosay, Director, UAA Justice Center.

Prof. Fortson moderates panel at Alaska Conference on Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault

Prof. Ryan Fortson, J.D., Legal Studies faculty in the Justice Center, was a panel moderator at the 2016 Alaska Conference on Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault held May 9.

Prof. Fortson moderated the panel, "Collaborating with Tribal Courts in Alaska." Panelists included Lisa Jaeger, Tribal Government Specialist, Tanana Chiefs Conference; Capt. Jeff Laughlin, Acting Deputy Director, Alaska State Troopers; and John Skidmore, Criminal Division Director, Alaska Department of Law.  

The event was offered by the Alaska Department of Public Safety and the Alaska Department of Law in collaboration with the Council on Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault, the Alaska Network on Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault, and Standing Together Against Rape.

AJSAC Fact Sheet released - Sexual misconduct and sexual assault committed against University of Alaska students

The most recent issue of the AJSAC Fact Sheet — "Sexual Misconduct and Sexual Assault Against University of Alaska Students" — presents past year estimates of sexual misconduct and sexual assault victimization against University of Alaska (UA) students. The estimates are based on 1,982 survey responses to the University of Alaska Campus Climate Survey, an online survey that collected data from a random sample of undergraduate and graduate students who were enrolled at UA during spring semester 2016.

The University of Alaska Campus Climate Survey was designed to establish baseline estimates of sexual misconduct and sexual assault committed in the preceding year — both on and off campus — against students enrolled at UA during the 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.  These data can be utilized by the University of Alaska to impact and evaluate prevention efforts and education programs for UA students.