The purpose of the Council is to provide for planning and coordination of services to victims of domestic violence or sexual assault or to their families and to perpetrators of domestic violence and sexual assault and to provide for crisis intervention and prevention programs. Council members are appointed by the governor, to represent a wide range of knowledge, expertise and involvement in domestic violence and sexual assault issues statewide. Membership requirements include representation from six government departments: Departments of Public Safety, Health & Social Services, Education & Early Development, Corrections, the Office of the Attorney General, and the Alaska Mental Health Trust Authority. In addition, five public members are appointed at least one who shall be from a rural community and one representing an Alaska Native Tribe or Tribal organization.