Domestic Violence Prevention
Alaska’s domestic violence rates are among the highest in the nation. This crisis calls for unique, immediate and sensitive services. The Domestic Violence Prevention Initiative (DVPI) is a federal grant-funded program that aims to prevent domestic violence and sexual assault among Alaska Native people.
Due to the sensitive and powerful nature of its work, the DVPI program efforts are initiated by community invitation. The program then works with Tribal partners and participating communities across Alaska to raise awareness of domestic violence and sexual assault, and provide culturally appropriate prevention, intervention and postvention education and training.
Training
The program provides a variety of training and awareness opportunities to Tribal partners. Training involves the dynamics of domestic violence and sexual assault, as well as the historical trauma associated with colonization. The program also promotes domestic violence and sexual assault education, awareness and healing while supporting collaborative partnerships to end domestic violence and sexual assault among Alaska Native people.
Doorway to a Sacred Place – A two-day training that incorporates traditional wellness and healing strategies such as talking and teaching circles, hosted to address traumatic events or critical incidents in rural communities.
Partnerships
The DVPI program and ANTHC have strong partnerships that lead to success. Those partnerships include the Alaska Native Justice Center and Covenant House. These partnerships equip Alaska’s Behavioral Health Aides and first responders with the skillset needed to prevent domestic violence in their communities.
DVPI Statewide Tribal Partners
- Council of Athabascan Tribal Governments
- Seldovia Village Tribe
- Tanana Chiefs Conference
Resources
Alaska Native EpiCenter – Healthy Family Initiatives
You are not alone: COVID-19 resources for domestic violence/sexual assault victims and survivors [blog post]
ANTHC.org – Domestic and sexual violence prevention resources