Unalaska, AK – Unalaskans joined with others across the state on March 31 to celebrate Governor Sean Parnell's Choose Respect initiative to end domestic violence and sexual assault.

Almost 75 percent of Alaskans have experienced or known someone who has experienced sexual assault and domestic violence. The overall rate of sexual assault in the state is two and a half times the national average, while the rate of child sexual assault is almost six times the national rate. Meanwhile, nearly 30 percent of Alaskans don't have access victims' services.

Parnell has called for Alaskans to unite to end the epidemic within ten years. He's proposed a suite of new laws to the state legislature to toughed up sentences and bail laws against the perpetrators of the crimes, and he's trying to raise awareness of the issue across the state.

U-SAFV joined this effort by hosting a potluck at the senior center last week. Though the main speaker missed the event because his plane was weathered out, community members gathered to hear the wisdom of their neighbors. Jennifer Blair helped coordinate the event. She said people need to remember that domestic abuse is a community issue.

"One of the key things is not turning a blind eye or not saying that's not my problem because I don't know them very well or the victim is not a family member, not someone close, not a loved one. It's important to stand up, come to someone's aid, and not look the other way."

Community speakers also highlighted different messages, like the importance of men being involved in the process of prevention and healing and the long-term effects of abuse. Sgt. Matt Betzen said enforcement of domestic abuse laws is already better than it was just 10 years ago.

"Things will continue to get better and better," Blair said. "I mean, it's considered an epidemic in the state of Alaska, we have the highest rate in the nation. But there's still hope."

Unalaska was one of 19 communities around the state to mark the first day of the "Choose Respect" campaign.