WHEREAS, all Alaskans deserve to be safe in their homes and communities; and
WHEREAS, the physical and emotional scars of domestic violence affect men, women, and children across our state in alarming numbers. The victims are robbed of their independence, freedom and security, and face unthinkable threats to their mental and physical health; and
WHEREAS, in the United States, approximately one in four women and one in seven men have been victims of domestic violence, in addition to 15.5 million children who are exposed to violence every year; and
WHEREAS, the emotional harm caused by domestic violence can leave lasting damage and cause lifelong trauma. Children who witness domestic violence are equally at risk for future emotional distress; and
WHEREAS, domestic violence remains a serious crime that crosses all economic, racial, gender, educational, religious, and societal barriers; in Alaska, we acknowledge the disproportional impact these forms of violence have on Alaska Native populations where four in five Alaska Native women have experienced one or more forms of violence in their lifetime; and
WHEREAS, the current COVID-19 public health crisis has led to further isolation and increased risks of harm for victims in all of Alaska’s communities and particularly in rural Alaska; and
WHEREAS, communities across the state are building prevention teams and implementing projects such as Green Dot AK, Girls on the Run, Coaching Boys into Men, and Talk Now Talk Often, to prevent domestic violence from happening and ensuring a safer future for Alaskans; and
WHEREAS, those in need of assistance can call Alaska’s CARELINE, 877-266-4357, or the National Domestic Violence Hotline, 1-800-799-7233, for emergency crisis and intervention resources; and
WHEREAS, in October of each year, we recognize the victims and survivors of domestic violence, and remind them that they are not alone. Together we will foster a safer Alaska by providing resources in times of need, promoting healthy relationships, and sending a clear message that violence will not be tolerated.
NOW THEREFORE, I, Mike Dunleavy, GOVERNOR OF THE STATE OF ALASKA, do hereby proclaim October 2020 as:
Domestic Violence Awareness Month
in Alaska, and encourage all Alaskans to stand together against domestic violence by offering support to those in need, by seeking assistance if they, or others they know, are being harmed and by recognizing the efforts of those who work to extend hope and healing to the survivors and victims of domestic violence.
