WHY YOU SHOULD SUPPORT KERSTIE'S LAW
Kerstie’s Law is a vital piece of proposed legislation designed to protect Alaskan families and strengthen the state's response to the hidden dangers of domestic violence-related deaths. This proposal follows the structure of California’s Senate Bill 989—Joanna’s Law which became law in 2024 to ensure that justice prevails by preventing victim deaths from being ignored or falsely classified.
Alaska records one of the highest domestic violence homicide rates across the United States. The rate of domestic violence or sexual assault experiences among Alaskan women reaches an alarming 58% during their lifetimes. Individuals with known domestic violence backgrounds frequently have their deaths disguised as suicides or accidents or labeled as "undetermined" outcomes which prevents perpetrators from facing accountability. The breakdown of adequate investigation procedures causes families to mourn without closure and deepens violence patterns and institutional distrust.
Joanna's Law established the national standard when it mandated complete and clear investigation processes for deaths related to prior domestic violence cases. Alaska needs to not only adopt this approach but also enhance it further. The state medical examiner is authorized to exercise substantial powers under Alaska Stat. § 12.65.020 yet significant deficiencies remain. The current system fails to adequately maintain family communication standards and independent oversight while lacking sufficient public transparency which disproportionately impacts marginalized groups who encounter higher violence and injustice rates.
Kerstie’s Law addresses these gaps head-on by:
- The law demands active updates for family members during every phase of death investigations.
- Families should receive investigation findings access except when sharing data might interfere with ongoing criminal cases.
- Independent third-party reviews of deaths involving government actors or law enforcement personnel will eliminate conflicts of interest and rebuild public trust.
- Through public sharing of combined death investigation data officials can pinpoint systemic deficiencies and patterns which informs substantial public safety reforms.
The proposed legislation goes beyond legal system improvements by confirming that every human life is valuable, every death should be thoroughly examined, and families have the right to know the truth. Kerstie’s Law will ensure that domestic violence victims receive justice even after death while holding offenders accountable and helping Alaska’s communities rebuild their faith in protective systems.
Justice, transparency, and accountability cannot wait. Join the support for Kerstie’s Law to create a safer and more equitable Alaska where everyone benefits.