Strengthening Domestic VIOLENCE SENTENCES

Alaska leads the nation in rates of domestic violence, but has some of the most lenient sentences for these crimes. Domestic violence is one of the most predictable crimes and therefore should be one of the easiest crimes to prevent. Research from the UAA Justice center in 2018 found that 41% of domestic abusers recidivated within the first year and by the 8th year, 75% had committed a new crime.

We call on the Alaska Legislature and Governor Dunleavy to respond to this research by toughening sentences for crimes of domestic violence.

Specifically penalties should be increased for crimes that involve assault of pregnant women, domestic violence in the presence of children, and a pattern of repeated physical abuse. No More Free Passes also believes that state law should be brought in line with federal statutes by prohibiting the possession of concealed weapons by perpetrators of misdemeanor domestic violence.

Improving law enforcement agencies and the department of Law

While passing legislation is important, laws must be backed up with robust enforcement and prosecution. We are seeking to create a protocol for law enforcement and prosecutors on domestic violence and sexual assault cases that would ensure escalating factors are documented and included in the charges. In addition we are seeking to add resources to the department of law to aid in investigating cases and supporting victims during the court process.

Continuing to hold judges accountable

Judges play an integral roles in ensuring justice in cases of domestic violence and sexual assault. Too often we have seen judges shrink from that responsibility by authorizing inappropriate plea deals, failing to uphold the Victim Right’s Act, or by handing down lenient sentences for egregious crimes. No More Free Passes successfully led a movement to vote out Judge Corey for his role in the infamous Justin Schneider case, and we will continue to closely monitor Alaskan judges’ rulings. We will continue to empower the public to fulfill their constitutional right to hold judges accountable through voting.