Editorial: Keep focus on combating domestic violence in Alaska

Wednesday, February 16, 2011  

"Alaska's political and economic conversation has focused on oil taxes, gas line prospects and disputes with the federal government over the health insurance mandate and endangered species. Major issues all, and Gov. Sean Parnell is naturally a primary player in all of them. But the governor has been steadfast in his determination to also bring the conversation back to an issue he staked out as soon as he took office in the summer of 2009 -- Alaska's scourge of domestic violence and sexual assault and abuse.

On Monday the governor spoke before the Anchorage Chamber of Commerce, which also heard from Monica Lettner, a woman who stepped forward to speak publicly for the first time about her rape. That kind of courage and powerful testimony should move Alaskans toward achieving the governor's worthy goal -- to stop such violence here within a generation.

This goal is beyond ambitious. The governor aims to reach it with a combination of tougher penalties, stronger law enforcement, especially in village Alaska, better care for victims and -- above all -- a change of heart. As the governor has said more than once, all Alaskans need to agree that we just will not put up with sexual assault or domestic violence by anyone against anyone."

Get the Story:
Our view: No finer service (The Anchorage Daily News 2/16)