Domestic Violence Awareness Month 2026

WHEREAS, all Alaskans deserve to be safe in their homes and communities. Domestic Violence is widespread and shatters many Alaskan families, and it is crucial that we combat these crimes; and

WHEREAS, across Alaska, the physical and emotional wounds of domestic violence affect men, women, and children in alarming numbers. Domestic violence violates an individual's dignity, security and humanity and can leave lifelong scars on the minds, bodies, and souls of victims; and

WHEREAS, twenty percent of Alaskan adults report having experienced intimate partner violence, and seventeen percent of all homicides in Alaska between 2014 and 2023 were attributed to intimate partner violence according to the Alaska Public Deaths Registry; and

WHEREAS, twenty-six percent of all criminal cases contained an alleged crime involving domestic violence according to the Alaska Criminal Justice Data Analysis Commission 2025 report, constituting a major public safety issue and a significant cost burden for both victims and the state; and

WHEREAS, domestic violence is a crime that ignores economic, racial, gender and religious barriers. We recognize the disproportionate impact this form of violence has on Alaska Native populations, where four in five Alaska Native women experience one or more forms of violence in their lifetime; and

WHEREAS, communities across the State are building prevention teams and implementing projects such as the Alaska Safe Children's Act, bystander intervention training, Girls on the Run, and Coaching Boys into Men, to stop domestic violence and ensure a safer future for all Alaskans; and

WHEREAS, those in need of assistance can call StrongHearts Native Helpline, 1-844-762-8483, or the National Domestic Violence Hotline, 1-800-799-7233, for emergency crisis and intervention resources; and

WHEREAS, Alaskans must stand against domestic violence through words and actions and continue to build alliances among community groups, businesses, governmental, educational, and faith-based organizations to support families, strengthen communities and hold offenders accountable for their crimes; and

WHEREAS, in October of each year, we recognize victims and survivors of domestic violence and remind them they are not alone. Together we will foster a safer Alaska by providing resources in times of need, promoting healthy relationships, and sending a clear message that domestic violence will not be tolerated.

NOW THEREFORE, I, Mike Dunleavy, GOVERNOR OF THE STATE OF ALASKA, do hereby proclaim October 2026 as:

Domestic Violence Awareness Month

in Alaska and encourage all Alaskans to stand together against domestic violence by offering support to those in need, by seeking assistance if they or others they know are being harmed, and by recognizing the efforts of those who work to extend hope and provide healing to the survivors and victims of domestic violence.

Dated: October 1, 2026