CNN reporter investigates the incredibly high number of rapes in Alaska. Well it's about time.

You know this is something that I have revisited on this blog time and time again.

However it does not always get much attention nationally.

That has just changed as CNN columnist John Sutter has taken a deep dive into data that not only reveals the number of rapes up here, but also explores the reasons why:  

The extent of Alaska's problem with violence against women is both horrifying and clear: Alaska's per capita rate of reported rape is the highest in the country, according to 2012 FBI crime data. An estimated 80 rapes are reported in Alaska for every 100,000 people. That's nearly three times the national average of 27; and almost seven times the rate in New Jersey, the state where reported rape is least common. Those comparisons are imperfect, of course. But localized surveys in Alaska paint an even bleaker picture. A majority of women – 59% -- have experienced sexual or intimate partner violence, which includes physical violence and threats; and 37%, nearly four in 10, have been raped or sexually assaulted, according to a survey of 871 adult women in Alaska, published in 2010. 

There was a time when politicians in Alaska argued rape survivors were simply reporting rape more often in this state than elsewhere. Those arguments, however, have been largely abandoned as the scope of the violence has become clearer. If anything, the taboos surrounding rape here would suggest that the crime is underreported in Alaska, relative to other states. 

What's unclear is exactly why the violence is occurring. "That's part of the problem," said Andre Rosay, director of the University of Alaska Anchorage Justice Center, and a national expert on this issue. "We can't answer that question. ..."

My rationalization through the years as to the reason why we have so many rapes up here has always been a combination of the fact that many rapes take place in isolated communities where help is out reach, our incredibly high rate of alcoholism, and some cultural obstacles which make it easier for men to prey on the young and helpless of both sexes.

However after his research Sutter offers his own theories:  

After talking with dozens of people in Alaska, here are the best theories I heard about why the state has the highest rape rate in the country: 

1. The history of cultural trauma, abuse, disease and dislocation imposed on Alaska Native villages has led to a cycle of despair and violent behavior. 
2. Rape is tolerated in some communities; when victims like Claire come forward, they're not believed or told to forget what happened. 
3. Offenders are too rarely punished. Of nearly 1,000 cases of sexual assault studied by the University of Alaska Anchorage Justice Center, 46% were referred for prosecution and 22% resulted in a conviction. It's difficult to compare those rates with other states, said Andre Rosay, from the justice center. What's clear, he said, is that "the biggest hurdle really is in getting the case referred for prosecution, "especially in villages with no local law enforcement presence. Sexual assault cases are 3 ½ times as likely to be prosecuted in communities with a Village Public Safety Officer, he said. 
4. The state is so large – four times the size of California – and so sparsely populated, that it's nearly impossible to police. State troopers must fly to many remote villages, and that can take days, depending on the weather. 
5. Long winters make it easy for offenders to perpetrate the crime. 
6. There's a high rate of alcohol abuse, which doesn't cause rape, but can lower inhibitions for would-be offenders and can be used as a date-rape drug. 

If I placed a bet, it would be on a seventh reason: the silence.

Those reasons seem as reasonable as anything, and as you can see many also reflect some of my opinions.

Sutter also interviews Sean Parnelll about his Choose Respect campaign. (An attempt that I have very little confidence in, but appreciate the Governor's attempt to at least do something.)

The article is fairly long, but I encourage you to read it, ESPECIALLY if you are a resident of Alaska.

I don't know what it will take to make a significant impact on our culture of rape up here, but it is certain nothing will change if we do not try.