Alaska Vows to Address High Rates of Sexual Violence

New investigators, rural enforcement, and survivor support programs strengthen the state's response.

Published on Mar. 5, 2026

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Alaska has long grappled with high rates of sexual assault and child sexual abuse. The Alaska Department of Public Safety is committed to continuing to protect Alaskans and pursue justice for victims. Over the last several years, the state has added more child abuse investigators, rural major crime investigators, and Village Public Safety Officers to address the issue, especially in remote communities. The department has also revamped victim support services, including a new Victim Assistance Division, Victim/Witness Navigator Program, and expanded funding for community-based victim services programs.

Why it matters

Alaska has some of the highest rates of sexual violence in the country, with more than half of victims being juveniles. The state is taking a multi-pronged approach to strengthen its response, from adding specialized investigators to improving support for survivors, in an effort to protect communities and pursue justice.

The details

The Alaska Department of Public Safety has added more child abuse investigators to the Alaska State Troopers, dedicated exclusively to crimes involving children, including sexual abuse and assault. They have also prioritized rural Alaska, adding 10 major crime investigators to rural posts and more than doubling the number of Village Public Safety Officers serving remote communities. The department has formed a new Victim Assistance Division to streamline services and provide comprehensive support to victims, including a Victim/Witness Navigator Program and expanded financial assistance through the Violent Crimes Compensation Board.

  • Over the last several years, the state has made these improvements.
  • In 2025, Alaska saw two of the longest-ever sentences imposed for sexual assault and sexual abuse.

The players

James Cockrell

The commissioner of the Alaska Department of Public Safety and a 30-year veteran of the Alaska State Troopers.

Mike Dunleavy

The governor of Alaska who has supported the department's efforts to address sexual violence.

Alaska Legislature

Has provided support and funding for the department's initiatives to combat sexual assault and abuse.

Alaska Department of Law

The state's law enforcement agency that has continued to pursue justice through the courts for the department's investigations.

Alaska Council on Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault

Distributed more than $22.5 million in grants for community-based victim services, prevention, and rehabilitation programs across the state.

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What they’re saying

“Alaska has long grappled with unacceptably high rates of sexual assault and child sexual abuse. This is a complex and deeply challenging issue, and while we have seen a decline in recent years, rates remain stubbornly high. At the Alaska Department of Public Safety, we are committed to continuing to work tirelessly to protect Alaskans and pursue justice for victims.”

— James Cockrell, Commissioner, Alaska Department of Public Safety (adn.com)

What’s next

The department will continue to prioritize addressing sexual violence in Alaska, including ongoing efforts to support survivors, strengthen law enforcement response, and hold offenders accountable.

The takeaway

Alaska's multi-pronged approach to combating sexual violence, from adding specialized investigators to improving victim services, demonstrates the state's commitment to protecting its communities and pursuing justice for survivors.