"When thinking of domestic, intimate partner and sexual abuse, most only think about the physical. Yes, there are many forms of abuse — further, each form is intertwined with others. It is important for me to take a step back and think about abuse on a systemic level. Abuse inherently involves complex issues related to economic security, mental health and chronic illness. Unsurprisingly, these complex sets of problems are nearly invisible to middle-to-high income individuals; this is not the case for those in the low-income bracket. Recognizing these intersections should be important to everyone, when working toward building a safe community. I believe prevention through education would address these "accepted" problems. I don't believe these types of resources should be offered to only those in need. Exposing everyone to how systemic inequities affect a community's health will bring Fairbanks closer to solidarity and safety."
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Andrew Aquino
Project & Office Manager
at UAF Development & Alumni Relations
Friends and family members have experienced violence in relationships, which left them feeling lost, unsure how they fell into their situations, or wondering why they acted differently when being in unsafe relationships than how they had predicted they would. Having compassion allows a way out. I've witnessed people turn their lives around once they knew they were supported in their decisions to be healthy and safe again."
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Pete Pinney
Executive Director of the
North Star Community Foundation
"Domestic, intimate partner and sexual violence are problems that affect us all. It is important to me to work to stop passing the violence on from generation to generation. My mother went through domestic violence but I'm raising my own kids to know boundaries and not allow this from anyone."
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Kyle Allison
Houston Contracting Company