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[MAINEr]

for where I want to end up. I don't like the rape statistics I see on this site. Is rape that rampent everywhere there?

[mal_flisk]

Most of the rape statistics that you see are actually within bush villages, and are primarily 18 yo guys and 14-16 yo girls. Some are within families as well. In towns and villages that have processors, the rapes may actually be within the processor ship or in the camp facilities.

Hope this helps.

[Rainy]

Don't quite know how to put it...but violent crimes here (at least out of Anchorage) are less random than outside.

[mal_flisk]

A very gentle way to put it.

[JustT&Me]

I see this is an older post, but I'm a single female, so I'm going to reply to this "rape" issue. I moved up to AK *solo* without a vehicle. My first 5 months, I either walked, rode the bus, or hitchhiked (SE AK). Once I bought a car, I picked up hitchhikers (and did the same two years ago on a trip back). Maybe I should have been afraid? (My Mom was, but hey - who's Mom isn't?!) I'm well-traveled and *never* feared for any instance of rape even getting into a vehicle once with four (young) men and their dog.

Don't fear an issue of rape in coming to AK. Yes, there are reports of rape. But you are much safer *almost* anywhere in AK nights or alone than you will be in most places in the L48 days. (IMHO) Practice good judgment (not like hitchhiking is the best, but I needed transportation and was selective regarding those I picked up or with whom I traveled - no guns, no knives, no drugs, and made them put their coats, bags, and backpacks in the back of the vehicle before getting in the car.) If they refused, no ride.

Common sense: don't party hardy solo, then flirt or flaunt yourself or pick up men - with either of you drunk. Don't use wreckless drugs. "Just saying 'No!' " will work for most if you find yourself in a compromising situation. And if that doesn't work, kick, scream, "holler," scratch, or whatever else it takes (if it's truly rape), mace if you have good aim (?) to give you an opportunity to either get keys to a working vehicle and out of a sticky situation or to run and hide until you can secure help. Stay away from notably "iffy" areas: Spenard/Mt. View and any others where you feel uncomfortable. And don't take a job on the North Slope as a solo female unless you're good and quick with a gun!

Okay - try reading other things... like places to visit, recreational blogs, life in AK, Alaska Magazine. These will be much more positively reinforcing. It's truly a really GREAT state! It would be like saying you wouldn't consider moving to Michigan bc it's bad downtown in Detroit. You'll find crime *anywhere* - hey! Just give our Presidential Candidates a good review! Lol. Pack your boxes and find your happy spot... ! There are plenty of them here - Alaska awaits you! (And oh (!) what you'll miss if you don't... [check my other posts]). You'll never want to leave!

[alaskarain]

I live in Anchorage, and there is a paper called The Anchorage Press. It is the only paper I have seen here that does this. They do rape reports weekly

Here is a link for it Anchorage Press | Home

From what I have read on average there is usually 5 to 10 rape reports a month. You have to keep in mind also as sad as it is true, young underage girls lie about their ages, have sexual affairs with older men or men of legal age, then when she gets pregnant, or mommy and daddy find out, the guy who thought she was of legal age is now charged with rape.

Having been a victim of rape myself. I refuse to live in fear. I by no mean excuse away rape, its wrong, plain and simple. However as I said in a diffrent post on a diffrent forum. Rape can happen anytime, anywhere, you can not live your life in fear and miss the wonders that any place in alaska has to offer, by doing so you will miss out on so many unexpected highs and so many once in a life time moments.

I see it 2 to 3 times a day, especially in the spring and summer, women, young girls, out jogging, alone, with music playing in their ears, totally unaware of whats going on around her. This does not only make her a easy target for someone whos looking for a victim but this also leaves her in danger of a Mother Moose with a calf she might startle and not be aware, trust me sometimes moose looks like part of the woodline and you can't see them until you are on them. And a mother moose is as bad as a mother bear. Not to mention coming across a hungry bear, who sees running as prey, shes not going to hear it snort or growl or break brances as it charges her. Any of these incidents are just as possible as rape. Here its not as far fetched as someone might think. These are just some examples I give to make my point.

Everyone has to think outside the box and remember this is Alaska. Be aware of whats around you, change your route. Knowing how to protect yourself, not only looking but listening. Pay attention to the more dangerious areas. If you take just a few common sense precautions, you will come to realize your greatest fear here is trying to drive in Anchorage during rush hours...now thats scarey....lol