Following an overview of the problems of sexual assault and domestic violence against women in the United States and Alaska in particular, the report reviews some of the ways in which both the Federal and the Alaskan governments have sought to address sexual assault and domestic violence through legislation, policies, and programs. The report then turns to the 1996-97 accomplishments of Alaska's Council on Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault. The Council's mission is to provide immediate safety and support to victims of domestic violence and sexual assault, as well as reduce the incidence of these crimes in Alaska. For the most part, programs funded by the Council are grassroots organizations that have developed over the years in response to the local needs. These local programs provide a broad range of services to the surrounding communities, including safe housing, crisis intervention, children's services, counseling and advocacy, batterers' programs, education and outreach, and community development. Council activities described in some detail are prison batterers programs, Sexual Assault Response Teams/Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners seed grants, batterers intervention programs, sexual assault prevention, and coordination/technical assistance. One section of the report focuses on critical domestic violence and sexual assault issues for Alaska. These include increased arrests of domestic violence victims who engage in self-defense, the need for legal representation and transitional housing for victims of domestic violence, and rural services. Other topics discussed are the Domestic Violence Summit findings and plan, as well as Council staffing. Appended Council funded programs, services, and grant amounts; program statistics; and domestic violence and sexual assault Alaska laws