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AWAIC’s Mission

AWAIC’s mission is to provide domestic violence safe shelter, intervention, and prevention. Our core values are advocacy, compassion, dignity, and collaboration.

About AWAIC

 

Abused Women’s Aid in Crisis (AWAIC) is the largest domestic violence safe shelter in Alaska. AWAIC provides safe shelter and supportive services to women, men, and children affected by domestic violence. AWAIC strives to empower survivors with a full range of choices and to make their own positive life decisions, providing support and encouragement along the way.

AWAIC is committed not only to providing vital services to survivors of domestic violence, but also to preventing future violence through education and prevention.

Mission

To provide domestic violence safe shelter, intervention, and prevention.

Core Values

Advocacy, compassion, dignity, collaboration

History

In the fall of 1976, a volunteer group of determined Anchorage community members decided to address their concerns about domestic violence in the community. Hard work and persistence resulted in the creation of a safe home for women and their children in August 1977. Initially, the shelter provided only temporary, emergency refuge where survivors could escape abuse and have time to consider their options for the future.

In January 1983, AWAIC opened the doors of its 52-bed shelter facility. For the first time all of AWAIC’s programs were in one building. The facility housed women and children, while male survivors were sheltered off-site in hotels.

In January 2021, AWAIC completed the Safe Spaces Expansion and Renovation project. This project increased the shelter bed capacity to 67 and added space on-site for male survivors and their children. This was an important addition to ensure male-identifying survivors had access to the same services as those identifying as women. The Expansion and Renovation project also added additional spaces for case managers to meet with survivors who are not staying in the shelter, giving AWAIC the opportunity to help more individuals and families in the community. Currently, AWAIC offers a wide range of services to help survivors get back on their feet and transition to safe, independent living.

Leadership

Financials & Other Documents

Employment

AWAIC Foundation

Contact Us

AWAIC statement of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
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A statement from the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee of Abused Women’s Aid in Crisis (AWAIC), with support from AWAIC’s Board of Directors:

 

AWAIC stands with those we serve and is dedicated to empowering our community. We are committed to providing vital services to victims of domestic violence and preventing violence through education and outreach efforts. Our goal is to teach people to live and love without violence. We are dedicated to uplifting our community and addressing oppressive behaviors, including domestic and sexual violence, racism, homophobia, transphobia, ableism, sexism, and all other forms of oppression. We know that all forms of oppression are intertwined, leading to a systemic oppressive environment for all people. We pledge to create an environment that embraces diversity, equity, and inclusion. AWAIC recognizes that we cannot address the cycle of abuse in our community by not addressing these issues. We strive to be better, and we will do better.

AWAIC is located on the ancestral, unceded lands of the Dena’ina people. We acknowledge the Dena’ina as the original stewards and caretakers of the land we live and work on.