Show 6: Preventing Domestic Violence & Sexual Assault in Alaska

IN-STUDIO GUESTS: October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, and host, Shana Sheehy, spoke with two Alaskans who are working to combat both domestic violence and sexual assault (DV/SA) in our state. Katie TePas (left), the state's DV/SA Response Coordinator, and Sgt. Cindi Stanton (right), head of the Crimes Against Children Unit at the Anchorage Police Department, addressed the need for public awareness about these crimes, spoke about prevention measures and also offered advice for victims or those who want to help someone in need.

The Alaska Council on Domestic Violence & Sexual Assault and the UAA Justice Center partnered to produce the 2010 Alaska Victimization Survey (opens as a PDF) released last week.

Ginger Baim, the executive director of Safe and Fear-Free Environment (SAFE) in Dillingham shared her point of view on the state's new Choose Respect initiative as a professional who has been combating DV/SA in Alaska for 35 years.

If you are in crisis and need help, call 911 or click here for statewide hotline numbers that will link you to services and shelters in your area.

RESOURCES FOR PARENTS & CHILDREN:

• Alaska 2-1-1
• Alaska Cares
• Alaska Native Justice Center
• Alaska Office of Victims' Rights
• Alaska's Children's Advocacy Centers
• Standing Together Against Rape (STAR Alaska)
• Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) for Children
• Alaska Children's Alliance
• Anchorage Police Department
• Alaska Network on Domestic Violence & Sexual Assault
• Council on Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault
• National Center for Missing & Exploited Children
• Wired Safety
• Net Smartz
• Web Wise Kids
• Safe Kids
• Obtaining a DV Protective Order (restraining order) how-to videos in English, Spanish, Yup'ik

FEATURED STORIES: Contributor Jessica Cochran spoke with the Alaska Network on Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault (ANDVSA) to report on the pro-bono legal and victim services available throughout the state.

Producer Sarah Gonzales spoke with two teens, Bo and Isis, and one adult, Lori Grassgreen, the prevention director at the ANDVSA who worked to create the Stand Up, Speak Up! media campaign produced in partnership with the Departments of Health and Social Services and Public Safety. The goal of the campaign is to promote respect - for self and others - as a means to ending interpersonal violence among teens. Watch their PSA's or download their posters and spread the word!

If you are in crisis and need help, call 911 or click here for statewide hotline numbers that will link you to services and shelters in your area.