Alaska needs experienced, proven voice in nation's capital

Spectrum, by Margaret Pugh

Each year, Alaska tops the nation for statistics that, unfortunately, are the shame of our great state. Alaska ranks first per capita in sexual assaults against adults, first in the level of domestic violence in its families, first in the level of reported child abuse and neglect. We read it in the headlines almost every day.

The real costs of this violence go beyond the economics of arrests, prosecutions and jail time. Domestic violence, sexual assault and child abuse and neglect destroy families, cost lives and cause suffering at a scale impossible to measure.

What this state's leadership does or fails to do can make a vital difference to thousands of Alaskan women, children and men each year. One Alaskan leader known for his consistent work against domestic violence, sexual assault and child abuse is former Gov. Tony Knowles.

His record is second to none. As an assemblyman and mayor, he provided essential support for newly forming victims' service organizations such as STAR, AWAIC, Victims for Justice and the Alaska Women's Resource Center.

As governor, he introduced and signed into law Alaska's current model code for domestic violence, which requires arrests of offenders, and sponsored landmark legislation for child abuse victims which has resulted in swifter action on behalf of abused and neglected children as well as more placements into permanent and safe homes.

He began a process of adding badly needed social workers to assist children and families. He activated and demanded funding for the Alaska Children's Trust, which now provides almost $2 million in grants to local communities to fight child abuse and neglect.

As governor, Tony Knowles also created Denali Kid Care, which provides health care to pregnant women and children in working families unable to afford health insurance, a vital service to improve family health and reduce the stress that can cause child abuse and neglect.

There is more to be done. The federal government plays a major role in both policy and funding for services to victims of domestic violence, sexual assault and child abuse and neglect.

We must have a proven, experienced voice in Washington to ensure that national priorities work for the unique and urgent problems facing Alaska.

Tony Knowles has always been there for the Alaskans affected by family violence and sexual assault. By electing him to the U.S. Senate, we know he will continue his commitment to work for safe and healthy Alaskan communities.

Margaret Pugh is former commissioner of the Alaska Department of Corrections, and a former board member of AWARE in Juneau. Cindy Smith is the former director of the Alaska Network on Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault, a former AWARE board member, and was director of Boards and Commissions under Gov. Knowles.