Frequently Asked Questions

What is Domestic Violence?

Domestic violence is a pattern of assaultive and controlling behaviors among people who are married, living together, or have an ongoing or past intimate relationship. It includes physical (battering), sexual, verbal and psychological attacks against the victim as well as against the victim's children, property or pets.

How do I know if what is happening to me is abusive?
Although abusive tactics may differ from relationship to relationship, the following may help you identify potential and/or abusive behavior:

• What is your partner's behavior around your friends and family? (does he/she try to limit your time with them?)
• How does your partner interact with his/her own family members? (what was his/her childhood like?)
• Does your partner tell you where you may go, what to do, who you may talk with, etc.?
• Does your partner express his/her needs in an inappropriate manner (demanding, criticizing, etc.)?
• Does your partner ridicule your thoughts, beliefs, and decisions?

• Does your partner blame you or others for making him/her "feel angry"?
• Does your partner call you names or make you feel stupid (even in public)?
• Has your partner ever threatened to harm you or your children?

The LeeShore Center Emergency Shelter offers safe, confidential housing.

907-283-7257
24 hour
Crisis Line

for more information, check the following links:

Alaska Statutes on Domestic Abuse

It is never O.K. to force, pressure or trick anyone into having sexual contact.
Sexual assault is any sexual contact without consent.
Consent must always be present throughout sexual activity, and it can be taken back at any time.
Consent is:

• Mutual
• Active and excited
• Between partners of equal power
• Between unimpaired partners

Silence and "giving in" are not consent.
Forms of Sexual Assault:

Any sexual contact (with or without penetration) that is gained through:

• force (pushing, pinning down, choking, etc.)
  
• threats ("I'll kill you/your family," "I'll hurt you," a weapon is present.)
  
• trickery (using drugs, alcohol, or deception to make someone sexually receptive or unable to resist)
  
• manipulation (using pressure: "You can't stop now, I'm so excited," "You did it with your last boy/girlfriend," "If you loved me you would.")
  
• coercion (using threats, bribes, and blackmail: "I'll tell your mom you were drinking if you don't," "You could lose your job if you don't,"  "I'll tell everyone we did anyway.")

This includes any sexual contact with a minor who is too young to consent--even if they say yes, even if they initiate it, even if they are in love.
NO ONE DESERVES TO BESEXUALLY ASSAULTED

Acquaintance Rape: most common type of rape. It occurs when the victim is raped by someone they know. 
Date Rape: occurs when the victim does not give consent while on a date.
Marital Rape: a form of rape that occurs when the perpetrator uses power over a spouse or to express anger.
Child Sexual Assault: occurs when a child is fondled, caressed, and or/penetrated by an older, sexually mature person, (often a relative, family friend, neighbor, or other person the child knows and trusts). Can be a one time occurrence or on an on-going basis.
Gang Rape: occurs when two or more  perpetrators rape one victim.  

 The Alaska Department of Law on Sexual Assault