Unalaskans Against Sexual Assault & Family Violence (USAFV) provides services to people impacted by domestic violence, sexual assault, and other crimes.
120 women in the Aleutians West Census Area and Aleutians East Borough participated in the phone survey in 2014 and 2015. It was conducted by UAA’s Justice Center on behalf of the state’s Council on Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault (CDVSA).
Researchers did not ask participants if they were victims of sexual or intimate partner violence. Instead, questions were framed around behaviors.
For example, CDVSA Executive Director Diane Casto says participants were asked if they had ever been pushed or slapped.
“It's important that this survey was done in that manner because many people who experience those behaviors do not classify them as intimate partner violence or domestic violence or sexual assault,” Casto said.
Dr. Rosay says the survey’s findings are probably conservative, as participants represented five percent of women in the Aleutian and Pribilof Islands. Plus, the survey only included English-speaking women, women with access to phones, and women with permanent residences.
Rosay found that 24 percent of women in the region will experience sexual violence, 43 percent will experience intimate partner violence, and nearly half will experience either or both.
While Rosay hoped the survey would reveal some regions had lower rates of violence, he found that they’re consistent across Alaska.
Rosay says Alaska’s rates are higher than the national average, but there is no easy explanation for why that is.
At this point, Rosay and Casto don’t know if their regional studies will continue. That’s contingent on funding. But they’re focused on conducting a statewide survey in 2020, as well as evaluating Alaska’s education and other services.
USAFV operates a shelter and a 24-hour crisis line to address the needs of survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, child or elder abuse, and other crises. Unalaskans can reach the crisis line at 581-1500 or toll free across Alaska, (800) 478-7238.