Candidate: Patricia Chesbro

District: House District 19

Seat Running For: State Representative

Party Affiliation: Democrat

1. As a legislator, what have you done to support women and children victims of domestic violence and/or sexual assault? What specifically have you done to help end violence against women and children in Alaska ?

Of course, I am now a candidate rather than a legislator. However, I have served on the Board of Directors of Alaska Family Services in Palmer for four years and am currently the President of that Board. AFS operates the Women & Children’s shelter in the Valley. We also offer wrap-around services to preserve families and to aid in substance abuse issues. We also operate the Batterers’ program. In my role as board member, I participate in the oversight of the AFS programs. We have also secured funding and built a new shelter and new administrative offices . We have secured funding to start a family center and have purchased land on which to build a new substance abuse center. These are vital services for the Valley.

2.Women in Alaska , particularly Native women, are disproportionately victims of violence. What are the issues or causes you believe increase violence against Alaskan women?

Substance abuse issues in Alaska surely contribute to violence against Alaskan women. Further, many women find themselves with weak support systems that allow for stable lives. I think, unhappy as it is to contemplate, that notion of Alaska as a wilderness for hearty individuals also contributes. Of course, we also know that many are caught in a cycle of violence and cannot break free.

3. Alaska has ranked nationally in the top three per capita for sexual assault in the past 29 years (per the Uniform Crime Reporting Code). What type of legislation would you support to increase perpetrator accountability and ensure safety for women and children?

Sexual assault is violence. Unfortunately, many still believe that sexual assault is ultimately the fault of the woman. This makes it difficult for women to even come forward to name perpetrators. Many of these assaults are not reported. It is important to hold perpetrators accountable by using the current laws and providing more pro-active protection for women and children. It is also important to continue to bring the issues to the forefront so that old ideas can be dispelled.

4.  Shelter programs in Alaska are finding it difficult to keep and maintain staff due to a lack of competitive wages.  This causes a high turnover of staff because they can receive better paying jobs working for the state and municipality.  Due to the high rate of staff turnover, the amount and type of services that can be offered to victims of domestic violence and sexual assault are greatly impacted.  As a legislator, what will you do to address this problem?

In our agency, shelter work is an entry level job. They come to work for AFS, become trained, and then are able to find better paying jobs with more benefits at state agencies, particularly. Small non-profits will never be able to compete with the state on wages and benefits. An additional reason for the turnover is that this is a complex and difficult job, especially for those who are not trained providers. Expanding educational and training opportunities and requiring a level of certification could help. However, this means that non-profits will have to increase wages to hire the better-trained individuals.

5. Funding for shelter programs has increased only 4% in the last 10 years while services have increased by over 42%. As a legislator, what will you do to address this problem?

We need to look at a fiscal plan that will look at our needs first, adjusted for rising costs, and then find appropriate funding. We can no longer be funded based only on the fluctuations of the oil market. Important human services should not be disregarded. People come first, especially those who are victimized and vulnerable.

What is the name of the domestic violence.sexual assault intervention program(s) that serves your constituents? Alaska Family Services serves Valley constituents . AWAIC provides the shelter in Anchorage.

Who are the Current Executive Directors?

Executive Director of AFS is Dr. Donn Bennice

Executive Director of AWAIC is Judy Cordell