Reduce violent crimes against women and violence in general

A group of eight Valley men have “chosen respect” over violence. Choose Respect is one of the governor’s campaigns to raise awareness of domestic violence in the state of Alaska.

Over the next four weeks, you may see articles from campaign participants addressing specific problems that communities throughout the nation have encountered regarding violent crimes toward women. Even though Alaska currently has a handful of men addressing this issue, we know that there are many more men who Choose Respect toward woman in their everyday lives. This message is not exclusive to Alaska. Our goal is to totally eliminate violence. To do this, efforts will be made to educate the public in understanding what defines domestic violence, then identifying how to stop the cycle of the repeat offender. This process begins at home with men modeling appropriate and respectful behavior toward women. When children see respectful behavior being modeled at home, it translates to positive interactions in their lives.

Domestic violence is defined as intimate partner violence. It is a pattern of coercive behavior that is used by one person to gain power and control over another. It may include the use of physical and sexual violence, verbal and emotional abuse or stalking and economic abuse. Sexual, emotional and psychological intimidation may also constitute domestic violence.

One alarming statistic reveals that Anchorage and Fairbanks are the most dangerous cities for women in Alaska. Forbes magazine commented that Anchorage and Fairbanks are the second and third highest cities for rape in the nation, making them two of the nation’s most dangerous cities for women. Anchorage data shows that 86 of every 100,000 residents are raped while Fairbanks is third overall per-capita in rape at 191 per 100,000 residents. Not only is Anchorage second in the per-capita Forbes list, but also second in overall rapes. This data is staggering.

In 2004, the University of Alaska Anchorage Justice Center reviewed 1,281 cases involving domestic violence from the Alaska Department of Law. They looked at reports of domestic violence made to Alaska State Troopers in three geographical areas (Western Alaska, Interior Alaska and Southcentral Alaska). The report states that the Palmer/Wasilla area had reported 237 domestic violence incidents, second to Fairbanks, which reported 295 incidences. Additionally, this report confirms a high rate of alcohol was the one common denominator suspected in these specific cases.

According to an article published by the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence, more than one out of every three American Indian and Alaska Native women will be raped in their lifetimes. In addition, more than three out of every four American Indian and Alaska Native women will be physically assaulted in their lives.

Lead researcher and UAA Justice Center Director Andre Rosay also conducted a study in 2010. The results of this show 59 percent of women polled confirmed they had experienced physical violence or threats from a partner or sexual violence from someone at some point in their lives. This would equate to an estimated 145,000 Alaska women who have been victimized. Moreover, children who witness sexual assault or domestic violence are prone to repeat these acts. This is disheartening. What makes this even more alarming is that many domestic violence and sexual assaults go unreported when women are unable to report the information to law enforcement for whatever reason(s). Also, services for women victims of rape or assault may be limited in remote areas, creating an even greater and more compelling need for raising awareness and providing resources.

Although the focus for this fascinating data has been on women, we know that our children are the gateway for breaking the cycle of violence. The Mat-Su Borough School District is doing a number of things to address safe and respectful behavior with our students and staff. Safe and Civil Schools has partnered with MSBSD to create schools where respect is fostered and students are connected to our schools. MSBSD is also nearing our second School Climate Survey that has provided administrators data on how connected students and staff feel toward their schools. These initiatives are allowing us to foster environments where students are supported regardless of their past, present or future home circumstances. We are striving for our students to make the connection for what appropriate and respectful behavior looks like at school and at home.

We could use your help. Take a stand and join Alaska Family Services in its effort and ours to reduce violence in Alaska and minimize these outrageous numbers that stigmatize our state. I am asking men to take a stand and join the Choose Respect initiative. Will you be the next individual, organization, faith-based group, health service or company to stand up to reduce domestic violence, sexual assault or physical violence against women? Will you be the next son, brother, father, uncle or grandfather to stop the cycle of abuse? Help us to reduce the statistics that have raised Alaska to the top of the chart in a very unflattering and unappealing way.

Do not wait to get involved. We invite you to join our network, access tools, promote respect and assist in strengthening our communities in this great state.

Lebron McPhail is the Executive Director of Instruction for the Mat-Su Borough School District.