KMXT 100.1 FM Public Radio in Kodiak, Alaska
The Kodiak Women’s Resource and Crisis Center welcomes the attention that Governor Sean Parnell is paying to domestic violence and sexual abuse in Alaska. Angela Bowling is the outreach coordinator for the center.
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According to the governor’s office, domestic violence in Alaska is two and a half times the national average. The sexual assault of children in Alaska is six times the national average. Of course, those statistics do not include cases that go unreported.
To raise awareness of the enormity of the problem, community marches are being planned around the state.
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Another activity designed to support victims of domestic violence is an advocate training class that will take place in Kodiak next week.
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Upon successful completion of the course, participants will be qualified to help as advocates for domestic abuse victims. It will also enable participants to work as phone volunteers at KWRCC where there is currently a shortage.
Another event coming up in Kodiak is being held as part of child abuse awareness month.
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Bowling said that one of the good things about the Governor’s initiative against domestic violence and sexual abuse is that its getting more people to talk about the issue. She said that wherever she goes people always ask her, "Why don’t abused people just leave?" Her response is that the real question is, "Why don’t abusers stop abusing?"
