About Us

Leading the Movement to End Domestic and Sexual Violence in Alaska

ANDVSA serves as the federally funded coalition in the state for both domestic violence and sexual assault providers and receives other funding from a variety of sources to support services for member programs and communities.

Partnership

We are stronger together than apart. No one organization alone can achieve our shared vision to end violence. Meaningful conversations and diverse partnerships are central to our way of working and increase our ability to have influence.

Inclusion

We embrace differences and are mindful of the diversity of needs and experiences that exist across the state. We have an open door for all who want to share in our collective work and respect, support, and value them all. We recognize that while needs and perspectives may vary, everyone has something to offer. We all have a place in this work. We meet individuals, organizations, and communities where they are at according to their individual needs. We identify and remove barriers that inhibit equitable participation in and benefit from our collective work.

Diversity

We embrace differences and are mindful of the diversity of needs and experiences that exist across the state. We have an open door for all who want to share in our collective work and respect, support, and value them all. We recognize that while needs and perspectives may vary. everyone has something to offer. We all have a place in this work. We meet individuals, organizations, and communities where they are at according to their individual needs. We identify and remove barriers that inhibit equitable participation in and benefit from our collective work.

Accountability

We believe accountability is important. We are responsible for upholding our collective beliefs in our shared work to end violence. They are the foundation of our work. We are trustworthy and dependable and hold ourselves to the highest standards of ethical conduct. We also work to build accountability throughout the system, so it is more equitable, accountable, and responsive to the needs of survivors and communities. We model this by inviting feedback from member programs and partners, evaluating our effectiveness, and learning from it.

Since 1976, the Alaska Network on Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault promotes and sustains a collective movement to end violence and oppression through social change.

Established the Alaska Women’s Resource Center in Anchorage

A group of women saw the need for services for battered women and formed the Alaska Women’s Resource Center. They also organized the first statewide conference on domestic violence, which helped bring the issue into public view.

1976

First shelter was established in Anchorage

Following the 1976 conference, Alaska’s first shelter was opened in Anchorage. More shelters soon followed in Fairbanks, Juneau, Kenai, Nome, Bethel, Kodiak, and Ketchikan.

1977

The Alaska Council on Family Violence was formed

Local advocates created a coordinated statewide network to address domestic and sexual violence, laying the foundation for future collaboration across Alaska.

1978

ANDVSA Was Established

The Alaska Network on Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault formed as a statewide network. ANDVSA worked to secure funding, expand services, and provide training and expertise to support community-based programs.

1980

State Funding Expanded & Landmark Domestic Violence Law Passed

The state increased program funding to $1.8 million, ensuring continued services after federal cuts. That same year, Alaska passed AS 18.66, establishing the Council on Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault within the Department of Public Safety and strengthening statewide coordination.

1981

Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) Enacted

VAWA significantly increased federal, state, tribal, and local resources for responding to domestic and sexual violence, strengthening justice and service systems nationwide.

1994

Domestic Violence Prevention and Victim Protection Act Passed

Alaska expanded legal definitions and improved responses to domestic violence, building on federal VAWA advancements.

1996

SCROLL TIMELINE

Get to Know Us

Meet the dedicated advocates and leaders working across Alaska to advance safety, justice, and support for survivors.

Meet Our Team