According to the National Resource Center on Domestic Violence, 2 in 5 women and 1 in 4 men in the United States have experienced sexual violence, physical violence, or stalking by an intimate partner in their lifetime. These numbers are even higher for Alaska Native women, among whom 57% will experience domestic violence in their lifetime. This month, the Domestic Violence Awareness Project invites us to commit to embrace the many cultural ways we can heal from violence and oppression, hold space for survivors, and center those most marginalized in all of our efforts to end domestic violence.
What is Domestic Violence?
Domestic violence, also known as intimate partner violence, is a pattern of abusive behaviors characterized by one partner’s need to control the other through coercion (using force or threats to make their partner do something they do not want to do), intimidation (frightening or scaring their partner), and emotional manipulation (misusing their partner’s feelings or emotions to change how they perceive reality). Domestic violence may include:
Physical Abuse: Hitting, slapping, punching, shoving, kicking, burning, strangulation/choking, using weapons or other objects to cause injury.
Sexual Abuse: Forcing a partner to engage in unwanted sexual acts; refusing to practice safe sex; treating a partner like a sex object.
Emotional Abuse: Name-calling and put-downs; denying/shifting blame; treating a partner as an inferior; threatening to harm self/others; stalking; using threatening looks, actions or gestures; using technology to track, monitor or frighten their partner.
Economic Abuse: Stealing or destroying belongings/money; preventing a partner from getting or keeping a job; not letting a partner know about or have access to family income; damaging or ruining a partner’s credit.
Joining the Effort
We all have a role in ending domestic violence. Here are some things you can do to help:
Help a loved one who is being abused. When a victim shares that they are being abused, believe them. Let them know that the abuse is not their fault. Help them find resources and options, and empower them to make choices for their safety. It can take a long time to end an abusive relationship; provide nonjudgmental support no matter how many times they come to you with their concerns.
Speak up about abuse. Let the person using violence or intimidation know their behavior is wrong and encourage them to seek help. If you see abuse, report it so that all parties can receive the help they need. Doing nothing can make the abuse worse and even deadly.
Educate yourself and others. Tanana Chiefs Conference (TCC) has resources available to help you learn more about domestic violence and the steps you can take with your community to prevent it. Email TribalProtectiveServices@tananachiefs.org for more information.
Set an example. Make a commitment to work for equality and end violence in all of its forms. Model non-violent and respectful behavior through your everyday actions.
Help is Here
If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, seek help! If someone is in immediate danger, dial 911 and/or the Alaska State Troopers non-emergent line at 907-451-5100. The following resources are also available to you to help restore safety.
TCC Tribal Protective Services
907-452-8251 ext. 2897 or 3420
TribalProtectiveServices@tananachiefs.org
Alaska Center for Nonviolent Living
1-800-478-7273
(907) 452-2293
https://iacnvl.org/
Fairbanks Native Association Community Services
(907) 452-5225
https://www.fairbanksnative.org/community-services/
Healing Native Hearts Coalition
(907) 374-1030
https://hnhcoalition.org/
Strong Hearts Native Helpline
1-844-NATIVE (762-8483)
www.strongheartshelpline.org