By Tania Carson
For The Cordova Times
The statistics are well established: Alaska has an epidemic of domestic violence and sexual assault. In 2008, through a partnership between the Alaska Council on Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault and the Alaska Network on Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault, the “Real Alaska Men Choose Respect” campaign was born. The goal of the campaign was to engage men in the work of ending domestic violence and sexual assault. In December of 2009, former Governor Sean Parnell pledged that Alaska would take every step necessary to stop this epidemic and began the statewide “Choose Respect Initiative.” By March 2014 more than 170 Alaska communities participated in Choose Respect marches, rallies, and community events, including Cordova. Cordova Family Resource Center continues to raise awareness and asks that you join in the efforts.
Last year as part of raising awareness B.I.O.N.I.C, with the support from CFRC and CSD unveiled a music video, “Fight the Unknown”, addressing the issues they feel teens in Cordova are dealing with. This was the group’s way of taking a stand, choosing respect and addressing intimate partner violence. Go to YouTube to watch the video. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b9TYY9RDEsc. This year CFRC’s Choose Respect campaign urges Cordova to place a candle in your window to symbolize hope and light in the darkness of domestic violence and sexual assault.
Take a stand to end the epidemic of domestic violence and sexual assault by supporting the Choose Respect campaign and the Cordova Family Resource Center. There is a need for all community members to be equal partners in preventing violence, strengthening communities, and promoting respect.
The harm extends far beyond immediate victims of domestic and/or sexual violence. It shapes the entire community.
To raise awareness CFRC and CDVSA’s Choose Respect campaign will distribute posters and battery operated candles to be placed throughout Cordova. Radio station 100.9 FM KCDV will also air PSAs asking friends, family, peers, and co-workers to help us send a message that violence in any form is no longer tolerated. March 23 is Choose Respect day. The Choose Respect kits will be available at CFRC the following week. Support this campaign by placing the poster and candle in your business, office, or home window till the end of April. CFRC also asks that you keep your candle lit as we go into Child Abuse and Sexual Assault Awareness month. As a community join in sending messages of hope and healing to the many who have suffered from crimes of violence and stand tall to prevent violence in the future. The Cordova Family Resource center will have the Choose Respect kit available in the CFRC office Tuesday-Friday 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. starting March 30t. Please stop by to pick up your kit.
To find out more about Choose Respect visit
ChooseRespect.Alaska.gov.
Tania Carson is the prevention coordinator for the Cordova Family Resource Center
