About AWARE
Vision
We envision a safe, equitable, and inclusive community built on healthy relationships, sustained through education and advocacy.
Mission
Our mission is to provide safe shelter and supportive services for survivors of domestic or sexual violence; and to effect the social, political, and legal changes needed to eliminate oppression, gender violence, and violence against children.
Root Causes of Gender Violence
Domestic violence and sexual assault are societal problems with tragic personal consequences. Gender-based violence is fundamentally about power and control, often men abusing the women and children in their lives. Safety from abuse requires support. Finding safety is more challenging for people who also experience racism, homophobia, historical trauma, or discrimination. We cannot end gender-based violence without uplifting diverse voices and working to change these systems of oppression.
Safety & Stability
Every survivor deserves an advocate and a support network. AWARE provides a range of services for people who have experienced domestic violence or sexual assault. We offer a crisis line, a gender-inclusive emergency shelter, advocates, legal assistance, support groups, healthy relationship classes, and transitional housing. We have a 24/7 rapid response team to meet people at the hospital. We support people who have experienced violence in moving toward stronger, safer relationships – whatever that looks like for them. Our services are free and confidential, and everyone who contacts AWARE chooses the services that are right for them. Click here to learn more!
Families
AWARE knows that each family is unique. We honor families, including extended families, single parents, LGBTQ2+ families and chosen families. We’re here to help you build stronger, safer relationships. Whether you choose to leave or stay, or need resources for a loved one, we’re here to help you build stronger, safer relationships. To prevent violence and promote healing, we provide a spectrum of services including education, support groups, counseling, and leadership opportunities for youth. We offer the Men at Work group for men who want to take responsibility for changing their abusive behavior. We know that strengthening connections between safe family members can be one of the most effective paths to wellness. Click here to learn more!
Community Partnerships & Advocacy
Creating a movement for gender and racial equity while building a network of support means working with tribal organizations, community groups, agencies, and individual allies. By building upon our histories and deepening our connections, we are able to co-create innovative local strategies for safety, equity, and healthy relationships. A connected community is a resilient community.
Men's Engagement & Accountability
AWARE works with men who have experienced violence and want to heal, who use violence and want to change, and who aspire to stand with AWARE in ending men’s violence across our community. Men’s violence hurts the women & children in their lives, other men, and themselves. AWARE supports men in teaching healthy concepts of masculinity. Healing and transformation occur through taking responsibility. There is hope for change and each of us has a role to play.
Equity in Practice
AWARE is based in Juneau on the traditional land of the Auk Kwáan and we honor that connection with our commitment to equity. We strive to respect tribal sovereignty and indigenous ways of knowing. We aspire to deepen our practice of equity each day in our work with survivors, community partners, and colleagues. In order to achieve community-wide transformation, we must start within. We believe it is within all of us to find a good way forward.
Service Area
AWARE serves 9 communities in SE Alaska: Elfin Cove, Gustavus, Haines, Hoonah, Juneau, Klukwan, Pelican, Skagway, Tenakee, and Yakutat.
Land Acknowledgment
We are located in Lingít Aaní, the ancestral home of the A’akw Kwáan.