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Sponsor Statement for HB 332
Extending Council On Domestic Violence

An Act extending the termination date of the Council on Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault; and providing for an effective date.

The Council on Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault is the state policymaking board charged with planning and coordinating services for victims of domestic violence or sexual assault. House Bill 332 extends the sunset of The Council on Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault until June 30, 2006.

The Council on Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault provides services for families of victims and for perpetrators of these crimes by providing crisis intervention and prevention programs throughout Alaska. State, federal and private funds are used to pay for the programs provided by the Council.

Last fiscal year alone, more than 7,000 Alaska women and children sought immediate safety in shelters throughout the state, totaling more than 50,000 shelter nights. There were also more than 2,000 victims of sexual assault who sought services through the state. The first priority of all programs is the immediate safety and crisis intervention for the victim. Other services provided include: information on and referral to needed services such as housing or public assistance, medical advocacy, legal advocacy, safety checks, clothing and food, transportation, and personal and group support.

The Council continues to work with victim advocates, law enforcement, prosecution, corrections, and batterers intervention program staff, among others, to increase safety for victims, increase reporting by victims, train all those involved in the community response to the victims of domestic violence and sexual assault, and to hold perpetrators accountable for their violence. Through these cooperative efforts, the Council on Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault plays a crucial role in helping to break the cycle of violence that tears Alaskan families and communities apart.

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