Legislation would better support family violence survivors, say Alaska advocacy groups

Legislation introduced in the U.S. to better support survivors of domestic violence could significantly help Alaskans, especially Indigenous women and those living in rural communities, say advocacy groups. 

“This legislation will allow many organizations and individuals to continue the impactful work happening throughout our nation to create safe communities for all,” Brenda Stanfill, the executive director of the Alaska Network on Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault, said in a statement. 

“It will also add to the ability of tribal governments to create safety within tribal communities, will create specialized resource centers, and will increase the funds available for families impacted by acts of violence and abuse within their families.”

The legislation was introduced by U.S. Alaskan Senator Lisa Murkowski (R), and Senator Bob Casey (D-PA) who represents Pennsylvania, to improve on the 1984  Family Violence Prevention and Services Act (FVPSA).

Through the act, services are provided to survivors of family violence  such as emergency shelters, counselling, and safety and financial planning. Grants are also provided to domestic violence programs, shelters, coalitions and the National Domestic Violence Hotline.

The Family Violence Prevention and Services Improvement Act of 2023 introduced this week would expand victim services and raises the authorized funding amount to $270 million.

More funding, more services

It also includes measures tailored for Indigenous groups and communities.

“Culturally-specific organizations are better equipped to address the complex, multi-layered challenges facing victims from racial and ethnic minority populations as they seek services and protections
from abuse,” the legislation says.

“In addition, culturally- specific programs often have challenges accessing FVPSA funding at the state and local levels due to the limited funding available. This bill authorizes a new culturally-specific program to address these needs and incorporates related funding into the formula itself.”

Step towards reconciliation for Indigenous women in Alaska, says advocacy org

Tami Truett Jerue, the executive director of the Alaska Native Women’s Resource Center, said the recognition of Indigenous women’s particular challenges, especially in places like Alaska, was an important step.

“Among other Indian Tribes, Alaska Native Women suffer the highest rates of domestic and sexual violence in the country,” she said.

“FVPSA is the only federal grant program dedicated to supporting immediate shelter and supportive services for survivors of family violence, domestic violence, or dating violence, and the reauthorization of FVPSA, with permanent funding to support a dedicated Alaska Native Resource Center, is critical to support healing and reconciliation for our Alaska Native women and children.”

Murkowski said the legislation would play an important role in redressing the barriers faced by domestic violence survivors in rural Alaska.

“This bill would work to increase access to services like crisis counseling, emergency shelters, and support prevention efforts,” she said.

“We must continue to improve access to support services for victims and their children and build on efforts to improve the safety of Alaska’s communities.” 

Comments, tips or story ideas? Contact Eilís at eilis.quinn(at)cbc.ca 

Related stories from around the North: 

Canada: Women in Northern Canada travel farthest to access domestic violence shelters, CBC News

Finland: Swedish-speaking Finnish women launch their own #metoo campaign, Yle News

United States: Alaska reckons with missing data on murdered Indigenous women, Alaska Public Media