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Sexual Assault Much More Pervasive Than It AppearsA survey complied by the UAA Justice Center and the Council on Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault claims more than 50% of Anchorage women have been sexually or physically abused at some point in their lives.Related Content
An epidemic—That’s how state officials and UAA researchers describe sky-high domestic violence rates across Alaska.
According to the 2011 Victimization Survey –a study recently released by the UAA Justice Center and the Council on Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault— more than 50 percent of women in Anchorage alone have experienced sexual abuse or domestic violence at some point in their lives. "I think the first step, really, is to acknowledge that it truly is an epidemic that exists within our community,” said center researcher Dr. Andre Rosay. “I think we've done that today." However, the numbers reported in the UAA study differ drastically from police statistics. While the Anchorage Police Department responded to 82 instances of domestic violence-related cases of sexual assault in 2010, researchers estimate the number is closer to 1,500. "Too often we rely on law enforcement statistics,” Rosay said. “As you all know, these law enforcement statistics only reflect offenses that were reported to law enforcement." Rosay said a stigma associated with domestic violence prevents many women from reporting the crimes, and police agree. "I think we probably have better reporting here than in other jurisdictions, but as you can see there's still a great gap between victimization and reporting,” said Anchorage Police Chief Mark Mew. Rosay said it’s a gap they’ve struggled with for years. In the 2011 survey, researchers spoke with 710 Anchorage women by phone, asking them behavior-specific questions and avoiding legal terms like “sexual assault” and “domestic violence.” "I hope that the results of the survey raise awareness, but I also hope they compel people to act,” Rosay said. “It’s not until we all take a part in preventing violence and responding to violence that we're going to be able to turn the curb on this epidemic." |
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Anonymous said on Thursday, Jan 19 at 11:56 PM
ABI: 06-76332 Captain Casanovas in 2005 while with AST dismissed the notion of any abuses taken place. HPD: 11-0020 The Houston Police Officer who filed charges was DROPPED Vergie Thompson didn't want us to find out she stalked the mother and victims. the officer was also an applicant of global security. small world and word is to call and stop by dude!!!
80143832dirty little secrets dirty little lies said on Thursday, Jan 19 at 11:45 PM
you mesianic do you remember me the kid I use to be? yeah poor kids grow up to think cops are dumb and dumber and just let the rapist live next door to the victim they raped since age 4 to age 14...hu Sean??
80143653Hmmm? said on Wednesday, Oct 5 at 4:47 PM
I do feel that sexual assault and domestic violence is unacceptable behavior in our society. The numbers seem to amaze and astonish the public. What I am concerned with is the group polled (only women) in this statistical nightmare. Fair and balanced reporting anyone? I would like to see the disclaimer of the poll you reported at the end of the televised version also written in this text version of the news feed.
74831452And said on Tuesday, Oct 4 at 6:28 PM
How many males in anchorage have been abused or assaulted in domestic problems? Oh wait.................never mind who cares.
74783429mike c said on Tuesday, Oct 4 at 8:50 AM
Unfortunately, this agrees with most of the women I have known as friends reporting that they were molested or raped at some time in their lives. It is so prevalent that meeting someone without that unfortunate history seems unusual.
74757764Wes said on Monday, Oct 3 at 10:31 PM
This is bad--real bad! When I saw the headlineI was going to urge my fellow guys to help out if you know who is doing this sort of thing.With numbers like these I don't know who to ask. Think about it: These critters are our mothers, sisters, daughters. I could go on, but I hope you get the point. Women are to be cherished and loves; try having one or two for friends--it can be a blast!
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