(SitNews) Anchorage, Alaska – Attorney General Kevin G. Clarkson and the Alaska Legal Services Corporation (ALSC) announced on Wednesday an agreement to use restored FY20 funding – totaling $759,000 – towards providing legal help to victims of domestic violence and sexual assault. Governor Michael J. Dunleavy has agreed not to veto state grant funding to ALSC within HB 2001 under this joint agreement, calling it “an important step in protecting Alaska’s most vulnerable.”

"Helping survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault is a vital service provided by our organization," said Nikole Nelson, executive director of ALSC. "We are relieved that this funding will remain available and excited to continue our efforts in addressing the unacceptable rates of domestic abuse and sexual violence that plague our state."

Nikole Nelson, Alaska Legal Services Executive Director, recently approached Attorney General Clarkson following his remarks on the revitalization of the Department of Law's pro bono program at an event celebrating the enactment and implementation of Senator Dan Sullivan's POWER Act . The discussion centered around focusing resources on Alaska's high rates of domestic violence and sexual assault.

"I am committed to making inroads on this issue, and ALSC and I have common goals in that regard," said Attorney General Clarkson. "I appreciate Ms. Nelson coming forward on this, and I appreciate the legislature and the governor's actions to restore this vital funding. We must bring down our rates of domestic violence and sexual assault."

Attorney General Clarkson earlier this week announced his plans to reinvigorate the Department of Law's Pro Bono Program and partner with the Alaska Network on Domestic Violence to assist with its hotline, among other initiatives. He has vowed to continue looking at ways to make an impact, both within the department as well as in the community.

The grant funding for ALSC comes from two appropriations: an estimated $309,090 from filing fees received by the Alaska Court System and $450,000 from the Department of Commerce, Community and Economic Development. ALSC also receives funding from other grants and private donations.

We all know that the rates of domestic violence and sexual assault in our state are atrocious," said Attorney General Clarkson. "I appreciate former Attorney General Dan Sullivan's initial efforts to spearhead the pro bono program within the department and I think we can expand and improve it to maximize the ability of department attorneys to volunteer time helping victims. Through our criminal prosecutions, we are going after the perpetrators, but we need to help the survivors and work on prevention. We have many talented lawyers at our department who give back to our community. I want to make it easier for them to do so."

Attorney General Clarkson's plan currently includes three major initiatives:

1. Once per quarter, Attorney General Clarkson will host a sexual assault and domestic violence clinic day where Alaska attorneys, including those in the Department of Law, can volunteer time to assist victims;
2. Once per month, Department of Law attorneys will be encouraged, but not required, to assist with the Alaska Network on Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault's hotline where victims call in for help; and
3. Attorney General Clarkson will increase the number of hours that Department of Law attorneys can volunteer to do pro bono work for victims.

"This is just the beginning," said Attorney General Clarkson. "We must make inroads on this issue, and we will be looking at additional ways the Department of Law can help with prevention efforts as well as assisting survivors."

Edited by Mary Kauffman, SitNews

Source of News:

Alaska Department of Law
www.law.state.ak.us

 

 

 

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