Choose Respect!
by Alene Hidecker – Seldovia Village Tribe
Governor Parnell has declared the fourth Thursday of every March to be the day Alaskan communities talk about domestic violence and sexual assault issues in our communities. Alaska has one of the highest reported incident rates in the nation. The 2010 Alaskan Victimization Survey specific to Alaskan women are: 58% have experienced intimate partner violence or sexual violence and 37% have experienced sexual violence. The Victims of Child Sexual Abuse Statistics were also shocking; with 29% of the victims in the Alaskan State Troopers reports being children between the years of 13-15 years old and 74% were less than 18 years of age. A child was present in 43% of the assaults involving domestic violence and in addition, 26.4% of the eyewitnesses were under the age of 18. The trauma can be life long if left untreated.
Seldovia is the 118th community in Alaska to participate this year. His greatest hope is to get people talking about domestic violence and sexual abuse in order to eliminate the stigmas. This will hopefully encourage people to seek the help they need in order to have healthy lives and families.
The Seldovia Village Tribe and South Peninsula Haven House are partnering to have an Open House at the Sea Otter Community Center. There will be informational displays, pamphlets and advocates on hand to answer questions. Everyone is invited! This is a community event for all Seldovians. So come by and pay us a visit and give us your input!
Category: Education, Entertainment, Lifestyle
Seldovia Time
I think this is a great idea taken by the Alaskan Governor! I hope this idea spreads to Sydney, Australia! Domestic violence or any abuse for that matter is awful and wrong and it should be talked about so people understand the extent of this. After reading an article about the Gulabi Gang in India (have a look at my blog and take a read too), it reflects how one person can make a difference in raising awareness. So, nice work Alaska!!!