Press Release

District Attorneys Take to the Airwaves in Support of Domestic Violence Awareness Month

October 24, 2011

Anchorage, Alaska- The Department of Law is taking to the airwaves today and tomorrow to address domestic violence issues in Alaska.  Attorneys from the Criminal Division will appear on radio stations in Anchorage, Barrow, Bethel, Dillingham, Fairbanks, Juneau, Kenai, Ketchikan, Kodiak, Kotzebue, Nome, Palmer, and Sitka to raise awareness and update audiences on the State’s recent progress in implementing Governor Sean Parnell’s Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence initiative.  

Attorney General John J. Burns announced Domestic Violence Awareness Month on October 3rd by encouraging “all Alaskans to stand together against domestic violence in our state, offer support and understanding to survivors, take action to end the cycle of domestic violence, and Choose Respect.”  The current radio campaign is part of that goal.  Radio appearances will highlight Alaska’s comprehensive focus on prevention as well as prosecution in dealing with the epidemic of sexual assault and domestic violence. Local District Attorneys will share their recent courtroom experiences, but they will also outline some of the new pilot programs directed at their local communities:

• Dillingham Community Action Network Directed Upstream - a comprehensive prevention and early intervention initiative focused on fostering healthy culturally empowered communities of people who treat each other with kindness and respect that serves both Dillingham and Aleknagik. 
• Kodiak Turning the Tide - a regional multidisciplinary collaborative effort serving Kodiak, Port Lions, Akhiok, Karluk, Old Harbor, Ouzinkie, and Larsen Bay.  The model targets all community members as potential bystanders and engages them through awareness, education, and skills practice in proactive behaviors to prevent sexual assault and domestic violence in their communities.
• Bethel Building Awareness Healing and Wellness Plan - a program focusing on men and boys, regaining culture and traditional values in the Yupik way of life with a goal of reducing domestic violence.
• Pathways to a Safer Sitka and Sitkans Against Family Violence - programs serving Sitka, Kake, and Angoon.  The project includes a community-painted mural urging viewers to Choose Respect unveiled on October 3 at the start of Domestic Violence Awareness Month.

The comprehensive approach also highlights continuing prevention campaigns:

• Stand Up Speak Up Alaska - a prevention programs for high school students.
• Lead On! For Peace and Equality - a campaign focusing on developing community projects to promote non-violence and equality.
• Green Dot - a course providing the basics in how to engage bystanders in sexual assault violence.
• 4th R (Respect) - a comprehensive school-based program providing information and practice opportunities for students to improve decisions making and establish positive relationship models. 

The Department of Law’s goal is to highlight the need for all Alaskans to Choose Respect and to inform Alaskans of the many ways they can be involved and the services at their disposal. 

Attorneys will appear at the following locations:

For further information, contact Department of Law Special Assistant John Parsi, (907)269-5557.

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Department Media Contacts: Communications Director Patty Sullivan at patty.sullivan@alaska.gov or (907) 269-6368. Information Officer Sam Curtis at sam.curtis@alaska.gov or (907) 269-6269.