Palin record on women's issues questioned

WASHINGTON, Sept. 15 (UPI) -- Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin has been praised by conservatives for her pro-family values, but critics say she has ignored such issues as rape and domestic violence.

ABC News reported Monday that Alaska's high rates of sexual abuse, rape, domestic violence and murder make the Last Frontier one of the most dangerous places in the country for women and children.

"She's really done a lot of work on oil and gas, but when it comes to violence against women and children ... we haven't been on her radar as a priority," said Peggy Brown, executive director of the Alaska Network on Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault.

Former Palin aide Meg Stapleton, in an interview arranged by the Republican presidential campaign, defended Palin's record.

"One of the governor's No. 1 priorities since taking office has always been to tackle domestic violence in the state of Alaska," Stapleton said.