New Digital Spot Focuses on Murkowski's Efforts on Behalf of Those Affected by Domestic Violence

Press Release

The Lisa Murkowski for U.S. Senate Campaign today releaseda new digital ad highlighting Sen. Murkowski's continued commitment to combating domestic violence and providing services and support to victims.

The 30-second spot features Nicole Songer, executive director of Cordova Family Resource Center, sharing her personal experience with domestic violence, and the ways in which Sen. Murkowski has supported advocates like Nicole who are working to combat Alaska's high domestic violence rate.

"Lisa has stood side by side with us, helping to pass the Violence Against Women Act, providing funding and support to organizations like mine," Songer says in the spot. "We're fortunate to have Lisa Murkowski standing up for Alaskan women."

Sen. Murkowski has made ending domestic violence a top priority through her support for legislation like the Violence Against Women Act and her work on the Senate Appropriations Committee.

As chairman of the Senate Appropriations Committee panel responsible for funding the Interior department and related agencies, Murkowski also increased funding for the coming fiscal year to provide additional resources and support for victim advocacy, intervention, community response teams, sexual assault examiner programs, and community and school education programs to help reduce the high rate of domestic violence in Alaska.

Sen. Murkowski announced this week that the Alaska Department of Public Safety was awarded over $1 million in grant funding from the U.S. Department of Justice to help process a growing backlog of roughly four thousand unprocessed sexual assault kits across the state. Sen. Murkowski pressed Bureau of Justice Assistance Director Denise O'Donnell for the additional funding in a letter in August.

"Unfortunately, violence at home is a reality for far too many Alaskans. This is a difficult issue for many to discuss, but we cannot turn a blind eye and hope it goes away," Sen. Murkowski said. "That is why I am so proud of Nicole, and other advocates, who are willing to stand up, share their stories, and bring attention to this issue. The men, women and children impacted by domestic violence are often referred to as victims, but to me they are survivors. The many Alaskans who have turned this negative experience into a force for change exemplify a type of bravery and resolve that I admire and respect beyond words."

The ad was posted on Murkowski's campaign website and social media today.

"Nicole'

Like too many Alaskan women, I've been a victim of domestic violence.

It's why I dedicated my life to running a program that fights back against domestic violence and sexual assault.

Thankfully, we have a strong partner in Lisa Murkowski.

Lisa has stood side by side with us -- helping to pass the Violence Against Women Act, providing funding and support to organizations like mine.

We're fortunate to have Lisa Murkowski standing up for Alaskan women.

I'm Lisa Murkowski and I approve this message.

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