Governor Walker Highlights Domestic Violence Awareness Month

Press Release

Governor Bill Walker signed a proclamation recognizing October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month in Alaska. Half of adult women in Alaska will experience domestic violence in their lifetimes, and about 1 in 5 Alaskan children will witness it, creating trauma that can affect them for the rest of their lives.

"Domestic violence undermines the fundamental right of Alaskans to be safe at home, and can have effects for generations." Governor Walker said, "We must continue to combat family violence and raise generations of Alaskans to treat others with respect and dignity. The work of the Council on Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault (CDVSA) and its network across the state are critical to this effort. I urge Alaskans to stand together against domestic violence and to build a future in which Alaska families are connected by trust."

CDVSA is helping lead the state's charge to combat domestic violence throughout Alaska. Communities are building prevention teams and implementing projects including Green Dot AK, Girls on the Run, Coaching Boys into Men, Fourth R, and Talk Now Talk Often to raise awareness to prevent domestic violence. Earlier this year, CDVSA awarded over $18 million to community organizations to provide support and resources to survivors of domestic violence in urban and rural Alaska.

"CDVSA is committed to building an Alaska freed from domestic violence and sexual assault," Executive Director L. Diane Casto said. "While public attention has turned towards these issues, it is absolutely critical that communities commit to creating an environment free of interpersonal violence. Only then will behaviors change, and true progress be made."

If you, or someone you know, is experiencing domestic violence or needs immediate help or assistance, dial 911. A list of community-based victim services is also available here.

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