WCA hires domestic violence prevention specialist

Kevin Gadsey, hired last month by the Wrangell Cooperative Association to work on domestic violence prevention, said the problem is more traumatic in smaller communities like Wrangell, where survivors often must leave town for support and treatment.

Alaska has some of the highest domestic violence rates in the country, especially among Native communities.

While more support and resources for survivors of domestic violence are needed, a key piece of the equation is prevention, Gadsey noted. The more work that can be done to prevent domestic violence and improve the community culture, he said, the less work will be needed to help people whose lives have been upended by domestic violence.

In 2022, WCA received a $1 million federal grant toward domestic violence and sexual abuse prevention and advocacy. The Ketchikan nonprofit Women in Safe Homes helped WCA secure the grant. It has taken WCA a while to make a hire.

Once Gadsey gets settled in his position and determines what Wrangell's needs are, WCA is hoping to hire another specialist, said Esther Aaltséen Reese, WCA tribal administrator.

Gadsey said that while he is still working to figure out exactly what resources Wrangell needs, his work will be directed toward change at a grassroots level. He hopes to help introduce educational programs in schools and community events, provide advocacy for survivors at an individual level and work on policies and systemic change.

WCA and Gadsey will model programs and support after what other tribes around the country have found to be successful.

Gadsey comes to Wrangell with extensive experience in advocacy, nonprofits and community building. He served Wrangell as an independent living specialist and disability advocate from 2005 to 2011 with Southeast Alaska Independent Living. He also served as the executive director of Ketchikan Wellness Coalition, where he worked on substance abuse prevention, mental health awareness for women and helped implement grant funding for the community.

Gadsey received his master of arts in public advocacy and (social) activism in 2014 from the National University of Ireland, Galway.

The work that Gadsey enjoys most is bringing people together and figuring out how to put people in volunteer roles that are the most fun and rewarding for them as individuals.

Part of the key to prevention, Gadsey said, is keeping things fun. He wants to facilitate community events to bring all ages together because a positive community culture can provide healing for those who have faced challenges of domestic violence.

Reese said she wants to make it clear that the resources and support provided by WCA and the new domestic violence prevention specialist are for everyone in the community, not just tribal members.

Gadsey said he will get to Wrangell in April and is excited to begin working with people

April is both Sexual Assault Awareness Month and National Child Abuse Prevention Month, and May 5 is National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women. Gadsey and WCA are hoping to put on community events during that time.