National Report Says Anchorage is the Third Most Dangerous City for Women

More than 85 sexual assaults are committed every year per 100,000 residents

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By Alexis Fernandez

Story Created: Apr 29, 2012 at 11:25 AM AKDT

Story Updated: Apr 29, 2012 at 11:30 AM AKDT

ANCHORAGE - Anchorage is one of the most dangerous cities for women, according to a national report.

But are the numbers an accurate portrayal of our community? It depends on who you ask.

The beauty of Alaska is our backyard and it is a place where most people feel at ease.

“I've lived here since 1976, and used the trails ever since then and I feel relatively safe,” said Gail Sieberts.

But not everyone shares that sentiment. “I believe it's probably getting more dangerous,” said Carol Arnette. “More kidnapping, more women that are walking at night by themselves.

A Forbes national report ranks Anchorage as the third most dangerous city for women, based on numbers provided by the FBI.

The report shows that more than 85 sexual assaults are committed every year per 100,000 residents in Anchorage.

Police said those numbers could be skewed. “It doesn't take into consideration a multitude of factors that can affect the way that those figures are collected and how the data is analyzed,” said Lieutenant Dave Parker.

But police do agree that the problems of sexual assaults and domestic violence still continue to plague the city.

“You can't say that the problem is getting worse because were getting more reports because it may be that victims now feesl more comfortable reporting,” said Parker.

For some it is just a matter of being aware of your surroundings.

“I'm pretty aware of my surroundings – even though I’m wearing headphones – still looking around to see who's approaching me and who’s coming from behind.,” said runner Lisa Petrescu.

According to officials, if you ever feel unsafe take a friend with you and avoid jogging alone at night.

 

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Jon said on Sunday, Apr 29 at 12:32 PM

I don't even feel safe in this sewer pot of a town anymore, can't even trust all of APD. It began the downhill slide with the Pipeline.

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Ahaz said on Sunday, Apr 29 at 1:02 PM

Seeing that they are gauging this by total residents and men outnumber women by almost 4% with the large numbers of right wing religious groups thinking of women as property this is only surprising that two cities beat them unless those cities are also in Alaska....

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BobD said on Sunday, Apr 29 at 5:05 PM

Carrying a .45 will even up the odds..

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Dipitydoo said on Sunday, Apr 29 at 6:10 PM

What were the other two cities?

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Grizzly said on Monday, Apr 30 at 12:31 AM

I get it ! per 100k then project it out to cities with 8-10 million and there you have it ! Big Bad Spooky Anchorage ! To those who think Anchorage is the most dangerous city for women I would advising staying out of sections of Detroit, DC, Philly, New York, Miami, LA etc. There are huge sections of these cities where a woman walking down the street wouldn't make it 3 blocks ! I been to 'dangerous' cities and Anchorage, while it aint what it was, isn't even near the top of the list !! But hey, don't let reality cloud your spin !!

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ColdNAK said on Monday, Apr 30 at 8:13 AM

Agree BobD. I love my SA XDM.

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suesue said on Tuesday, May 1 at 10:19 PM

Yes Bob... a .45 would even up the odds, I completely agree!!!!

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