Alaska Governor Palin Signs Domestic Violence Legislation

June 23, 2009, Anchorage, Alaska – Alaska Governor Sarah Palin today signed legislation expanding the Council on Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault. The bill adds a rural representative to the council. It also adds a representative from the Department of Corrections.

“As Alaska’s governor, as a wife, mother, and as a woman, I am very aware of the atrocious domestic violence and sexual abuse and exploitation statistics that plague our state,” Governor Palin said. “Objectification contributes to high rates of abuse and exploitation by reinforcing a victim's belief that he or she has to endure abuse instead of being empowered to break away from it. This council's expanded efforts can help stop this violence. Together we can stand for what’s right and end abuse in Alaska.”

House Bill 63, sponsored by Representatives Anna Fairclough, Lindsey Holmes and John Coghill, adopts membership and employment recommendations of a legislative task force charged with reviewing the effectiveness of the Council on Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault. HB 63 expands the number of public members on the council from three to four; those members cannot be state employees.

Source: Alaska Governor