NASW Alaska | The Alaska Chapter of the National Association of Social Workers

Alaska is well known for our horrendous rates of domestic violence and sexual assault. The Council on Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault funds shelters and other program services for victims and their families, and provides basic funding for batterer intervention programs. Overall funding for victim service programs has increased somewhat the last few years; it is important that resources continue to be found to support this important work. Local police, village public safety officers, village-based counselors, behavioral health aides, and shelter workers do what they can to ameliorate problems. They work, however, with limited resources at their disposal.

Research shows that children who witness domestic violence can suffer long-term brain effects. Children in homes where violence has occurred need immediate support to prevent these negative brain effects. There is increasing evidence to suggest that witnessing violence at an early age is a risk factor for engaging in violent or anti-social behavior later in life. In a study of elementary school age children, those who witnessed violence and personal victimization were more likely to become perpetrators of violence. Studies of juvenile offenders show that a disproportionate number of them witnessed violence in their early lives; domestic violence appears to be a particular risk factor. (http://www.childwitnesstoviolence.org/resources/library.htm#1)

Women with developmental disabilities are at particular risk for predators. Native women are at particular risk for violence in urban areas. The Alaska Native Women’s Coalition was formed in response to violence against Native women statewide.

Domestic Violence & Sexual Assualt Rates

Alaska has not conducted comprehensive statewide research to confirm the prevalence of domestic violence and sexual assault since the 1980s. While we know rates are high (police reports, regional studies and clients using shelter programs), we are unable to quantify how serious the problem really is. Have the programs developed in the last 30 years made a difference? Why or why not? What can we do to improve? NASW Alaska Chapter supports research about domestic violence and sexual assault statewide.

Shelters are Under-Funded

Shelters and safe-home networks are the basic safety net for abused Alaskans and their families. Shelters offer programming to help victims identify ways to keep themselves and their children safe from risk. Keeping victims safe should be a highest priority. We commend the State of Alaska for increasing support in the last few years, but more is needed to keep up with the rising operational costs of programs (see The Challenge: Victim Safety in Alaska, www.andvsa.org). NASW Alaska Chapter supports funding for domestic violence shelters for victims and their families.

Batterer Intervention Programs are Limited

Perpetrators of violence need to be held accountable and learn how to change their behavior. Batterer intervention programs are instrumental in changing violence behaviors. Culturally-based programming may be very successful if given a chance. Alaskans deserve to be assured that batterers are treated and will not re-offend. However most domestic violence perpetrators in Alaska are charged with misdemeanors and Alaska has no probation program for misdemeanor offenders. As a result, perpetrators may be ordered to treatment but no one is monitoring their compliance. Additionally, programs are limited and virtually non-existent in rural areas. NASW Alaska Chapter supports access to culturally relevant batterer intervention programs in all communities and holding batterers accountable for their behavior. Funding batterers intervention should not be done at the expense of victim service programs.

Sex Offender Treatment programs are limited

Sex offender treatment programs can be successful; having no program guarantees recidivism. Alaskans deserve to be assured that sex offenders receive the most aggressive treatment available. Sex offender treatment must be reinstated both in the corrections system and continued in community programs after release. NASW Alaska Chapter supports sex offender treatment for all sex offenders.

Children in violent homes need immediate behavioral health services

Children in violent homes need immediate behavioral health services. Behavioral health and domestic violence programs are not adequate to meet the needs of children exposed to violence in their homes. Alaska’s children deserve to grow up without negative consequences related to witnessing violence, and Alaska needs its children to grow up to be healthy adults. NASW Alaska Chapter advocates for increased access to behavioral health services to children from households where violence has occurred.