For the last several weeks we have been telling the stories of domestic abuse that have ravaged this community and put us at the top for the rate of domestic violence in the nation. We have shared with you the mission of the AWAIC Shelter and how it is a safe haven for women. Now CBS 11 News will profile the first of four different agencies, all designed to help victims of domestic violence that have chosen not to use the shelter or who, perhaps, have moved on from the shelter but still need support.

The Anchorage Domestic Violence Prevention Project does just that.

"We provide emergency financial assistance to victims of domestic violence, from everything to getting their locks changed to relocating. We're able to house people, pay some of their rental assistance, their utilities, whatever they might need if there has been an emergency--as far as maybe the main breadwinner just got arrested. And they haven't been allowed to work, because maybe they have been isolated, because of the domestic violence. We are able to kick in and help with the emergency funding and then take on some case management and help them after that," said Amanda Matthews of the Anchorage Domestic Violence Prevention Project.

The agency's main mission is to make sure victims know they have options and don't have to stay in an unhealthy situation.

"The idea of the Anchorage Domestic Violence Prevention Project was to catch the demographic of people that chose not to go into shelter, for whatever reasons. And so with my project specifically, we are seeing those that call the police, but don't need the shelter for the safety--maybe have other resources in Anchorage like friends and family they go to for home, but they still need support, education and advocacy from my project," said Matthews.

AWAIC Crisis Line: 272-0100

If you are or know someone who is in an abusive relationship and would like to take advantage of these services

Amanda Matthews of the Anchorage Domestic Violence Prevention Project
you can call the AWAIC Crisis Line at: 272-0100.

To contact Laura, call 907-273-3186.