Thank you CVN for reporting on the protective order for domestic violence served on a Haines elected official. As a community, we need to ask ourselves what kinds of behaviors should be tolerated from our public representatives: what do we sweep under the carpet, and what is sufficiently important to be of public concern?
Domestic violence is a serious national and worldwide problem. A 2020 survey by the Alaska Council on Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault estimated 57.7% of Alaskan women have experienced intimate partner violence, sexual assault, or both during their lifetime. This represents an increase of 14.7% since 2015, giving Alaska the ugly reputation as the most dangerous state for women.
Recent perpetrators of domestic violence who are under a “long term protective order” do not belong on the Borough Assembly. On behalf of the 50% of his constituents who are women, and hopefully a large number of men as well, I respectfully ask that assembly member Thomas resign and complete an appropriate treatment program before seeking public office again.
Nancy Berland