Anchorage, AK – Yesterday, the Anchorage Assembly passed resolution AR-2020-427 to designate November 20-December 20 as Survivors of Homicide Victims Awareness Month (SHVAM). SHVAM is a month-long effort to educate the public and policymakers about the impact of murder on families and communities and ensure compassionate services in our community.

For every murder victim, there are at least 10 surviving family members and friends left behind to deal with that pain. For the past three years, there have been an average of 32 murders in Anchorage and according to the Federal Bureau of Investigations Uniform Crime Reporting Program Annual Report for 2019, Alaska’s murder rate is 88% above the national rate.

“Last year, in Alaska, we had the equivalent of one homicide every 5 days. Thirty-two of those homicides were in Anchorage alone. By setting aside this time to acknowledge the losses and what they mean for our entire community, you are showing those who were left behind that we stand with them” said Victims For Justice Executive Director, Victoria Shanklin. “It was amazing to me how powerful the Homicide Memorial Ceremony is while surviving family members honor loved ones” said Vice-Chair John Weddleton. “

Although it is hard to fathom the depth of loss felt following a homicide, we invite you to join us, and stand beside those in our community who are grieving and offer our empathy and support.