Alaska Chooses Respect

PALMER — Despite bone-chilling winds, more than 100 people marched from the MTA Events Center in Palmer to the downtown pavilion on Thursday to ‘choose respect.’ Those who marched bundled up and made the trek across town carrying signs, wearing teal and purple ribbons, and chanting before they gathered at the downtown pavilion for speeches and a balloon release.

“I want to raise awareness to people so people know about this and I really want more people to come. I think this is a really good way to raise awareness. That actually amazes me that it was so cold, some people would rather stay inside but I'm happy that all these people came,” said Marcus, a student at Firedance Academy.

The hundreds that marched gathered in the downtown pavilion to hear a speech from Sarah Heath, staff for Governor Walker. The crowd became silent as they heard a survivor story of a woman plagued by drug abuse who was a frequent victim of domestic violence but has since reached out for help and found safety in the community. Catherine Whaley, director at Firedance Academy took the microphone next to proclaim what the group had done.

“Washington D.C., do you year us? Juneau, do you hear us?” said Whaley.

Teal and purple ribbons were worn by many who marched. The teal symbolizes awareness of sexual assault and the purple represents the fight against domestic violence. April is sexual assault awareness month in the state of Alaska. The march moves back and forth between Palmer and Wasilla every year, and has been steadily growing. The teal and purple balloons that were released are made of biodegradable material.

Alaska Family Services helps organize the event. Members of the Mat-Su Health Foundation, Firedance Academy, Job Corps, the Domestic Violence/Sexual Assault Taskforce, and the Governor’s office joined in to help stand against sexual assault and domestic violence. Cars driving by the group of marchers honked and waved at those who braved the cold to get their message across.

“It helps the community focus on some of the issues around domestic violence sexual assault and that's really what we're trying to do is get the community to focus,” said Dr. Donn Bennice of Alaska Family Services.

Men and women young and old marched together.

“I think it makes a statement. I think it tells the children that this isn't just something we talk about, this is something we actually go out and do,” said Whaley.

Whaley said that, as the director at Firedance, it is important for her to stress to the children who are graduating that this in an important issue. Whaley wants to help erase the negative stigma around DV/SA and to bring the issue into the forefront of the community to help eradicate DV/SA.

“In the beginning, when we started this, people weren't talking about it. What we've done is come together to say we are not ashamed, we are going to stand up and say that does not define me, and if it's a part of your life,” said Whaley. “I'm here to let you know I care about you and I don't want that to be a part of your life. So we’ve just built a sense of connection and of encouragement from each other and removing the shame.”

There was no discussion of rescheduling the march due to the cold weather.

“We've done it in the rain, we've done it in the snow and the sleet, we've done it in the wind, not ever this windy but we've done it in the sunshine as well. Domestic violence and sexual assault doesn't take a holiday and it does happen when the weather's inclement, it happens all the time all around us and it's just important for each of us to recognize you can't wait for the perfect opportunity,” said Whaley.

“We do see measurable change and I really believe from everything that I’ve seen things are getting better.”