Alaska has the shameful distinction of being in the top five states when it comes to domestic violence and child abuse. Governor Sean Parnell wants to change that, and has encouraged Choose Respect marches and rallies around the state to call attention to the problem and help victims. We held one in Haines yesterday. About thirty people marched carrying banners, balloons, and beating drums from the bank parking lot on Main Street to the library. Police Chief Lowe told the crowd, “Let victims know it’s not their fault and that we have help out there for them. We are going to arrest people, we have support services to help victims and their families and we help coach them to go to court.” Andrea Browning from the AWARE women’s shelter in Juneau said that there is a confidential safe home in Haines, and urged anyone in trouble or seeking help, to call the 24 hour crisis line at 1-800-478-1090.
