Anchorage

The Anchorage Division honors the non-profit organization Aiding Women in Abuse and Rape Emergencies (AWARE) for their advocacy of women and children who have been subject to domestic or sexual violence.

Established in 1977 as an assault report hot line known as the Juneau Coalition on Assaults Against Women, AWARE has become a source of social services and shelter for women and children. AWARE works to effect social and political awareness and change and provides intervention, prevention, outreach, and education regarding domestic violence, sexual assault, and child abuse.

The distance from the FBI field office in Anchorage to Juneau is a two-hour flight or an 850-mile drive by car with a ferry ride. AWARE has helped bridge that gap by providing rapid support to victims in southeast Alaska. AWARE has worked with FBI agents in Juneau to obtain DNA evidence from victims for case evidence and has provided legal advice, assistance, and counseling to victims of violent crimes and sex trafficking.