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According to the 2020 Alaska Victimization Survey, 48% of women in Alaska have experienced intimate partner violence in their lifetime. This essentially means that if you know two or more women in Alaska, you probably know someone who has experienced domestic violence. (Learn more about the Survey and its results here or here.)
We know that domestic violence impacts people of every demographic: every age, gender, sexuality, race, ethnicity, religion, ability, socio-economic status, etc. We know that domestic violence may or may not include threats of or actual physical and sexual violence. It may also include emotional and psychological abuse, financial abuse, spiritual abuse, social abuse, technological abuse, and coercive control. We also know that the effects of this violence on survivors can be serious, long-lasting, and are often very similar to the effects of combat on military veterans.
Thankfully, we also know that there are things all of us can do to stop domestic violence.
October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, and KWRCC encourages you to take some time to learn a little bit about these issues, to build your own awareness and that of the people around you. However, please remember that awareness and education is simply the first step on the road to preventing violence. Here are some other things you can do:
- Become a member of KWRCC
- Participate in KWRCC’s fundraiser
- Learn how to become a Crisis Line Volunteer
- Donate supplies for the shelter, clothing, and household goods
- Drop off a meal for the shelter residents
- Sign up to take Youth Mental Health First Aid
- Attend KWRCC’s prayer vigil to honor Alaskans killed by domestic and sexual violence
- Talk with a friend or family member about how they can get involved
Thank you for all your support and for partnering with us as we all try to make Kodiak a safer community.
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