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National News Now!

VAWA passed the Senate!

On April 26, 2012, S. 1925 the Violence Against Women Act Reauthorization of 2011 (VAWA) passed the Senate Floor by a vote of 68 to 31!  Senators Murkowski and Begich, both early co-sponsors of the measure, voted in favor!

VAWA has provided direct victim service agencies in Alaska with the resources necessary to improve safety and provide victims with critical services such as civil legal assistance, transitional housing,  programs promoting outreach and education and primary prevention efforts.  VAWA funding has allowed communities throughout Alaska to coordinate their responses to domestic violence and sexual assault by bringing together victim advocates, law enforcement, the courts, prosecutors, health care providers, and leaders in faith communities.  Of particular note to Alaska, VAWA has allowed victim service agencies to address the unique barriers faced by victims in rural hubs and remote villages, immigrants, and those with limited English proficiency.

Here is a video of Senator Begich’s speech in support of VAWA:

Here is a video of Senator Lisa Murkowski’s speech in support of VAWA:

Statewide News Now!

I Choose Respect

As reported by the Juneau Empire

In October 2010, a group of about 10 to 15 Juneau teenagers asked themselves how they could promote non-violence and equality in their community. What they came up with was something beautiful — four colorful murals of the Juneau-Douglas Bridge, the downtown area, the Mendenhall Glacier and Eaglecrest Mountain.

Letters to the Editor

Facts and figures – A letter by Peggy Brown, Executive Director of Alaska Network on Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault

As reported by the Juneau Empire

In response to the letter submitted by Ms. Abernathy titled “Domestic Violence: A Family Problem.”  The data presented is not a valid representation of (a) the current data regarding lethality levels of domestic violence cases and (b) incorrectly argues that intervention and treatment programs are available solely to one gender.

In praise of one woman’s strength and courage – As written by Saralyn Tabachnick, Executive Director of AWARE in Juneau

I am writing this My Turn out of a need to openly recognize Darcy Ervin’s strength and courage in publicly coming forward with her identity as SAM, a young woman sexually abused for years by her father. Because of the layered complexities surrounding child sexual abuse and the associated trauma, and because of the social stigma, it’s a rare day when a victim says, “this happened to me and it’s not ok;” and yet, given the right circumstances, it’s one of the most healing things a survivor can say.

I am SAM- As told by a young survivor and reported by Klas Stlope, Juneau Empire

An alleged victim of child sexual abuse says she finds no justice in the justice system. “‘SAM’ said she was a 10-year-old youth soccer player when her sexual abuse began… Now she is 18, and rebuilding her life. Tuesday, she goes to court to see her alleged abuser sentenced on a lesser charge — one that has nothing to do with sexual abuse. The plea deal shocked her — and also local victims’ rights activists.”

Member Program News!

Girls on the Run in Juneau,  hosted by AWARE!

As reported and photographed by the Juneau Empire

Coleman leaves Haven House for Utah job

As reported by Homer News

“New programs, a new logo, even a new name – those are some of the achievements South Peninsula Haven House executive director Peg Coleman can look back on as she leaves her job this weekend.  Coleman, director since August 2004, officially end[ed] her position after the annual Women of Distinction awards banquet on Friday. ”