Sarah Palin Rape Exams

During Sarah Palin's time as mayor of the city of Wasilla, Alaska, the city might have charged rape victims for rape kits, which are provided when victims of sexual assault or rape seek help. Rape kits include evidence-gathering tools and sometimes emergency contraception. The charge would have been the result of new policies. It is not clear if the city ever charged victims, since Wasilla city records are destroyed after six years.The Frontiersman: Rape kit question may go unanswered (September 30, 2008) Palin denies knowledge of the charges.CNN: Palin's town charged women...(September 22, 2008)

In new evidence reported on October 10, 2008, Dr. Colleen Murphy, formerly of the Alaska Violent Crimes Compensation Board, reported that she was approached by rape victims to cover the cost of their exams.Huffington Post: Palin Rape Kit Controversy: New Evidence (VIDEO) (October 10, 2008)

The Huffington Post cited the Wasilla budget documents as evidence that Palin had a "direct hand" in the rape exam charges. As mayor, Palin made Charlie Fannon police chief. According to the Huffington Post, Fannon cut the budget for the exams and began charging the city's victims. The budget changes were signed by Palin. Alaska lawmakers outlawed the charging of victims a year later.The Huffington Post: New Evidence: Palin Had Direct Role...(September 11, 2008)City of Wasilla: Document Central

Palin claims no knowledge of the victims' fees.CNN: Palin's town charged women...(September 22, 2008) In an email interview with Wasilla newspaper The Mat-Su Valley Frontiersman, Palin wrote it is "absurd" that victims should pay for rape kits, but did not answer the question if any victims were charged for these kits in Wasilla when she was mayor.Mat-Su Valley Frontiersman: Exclusive: Palin Responds... (September 30, 2008)

Croft claims that he finds "it hard to believe that for six months a small town, a police chief, would lead the fight against a statewide piece of legislation receiving unanimous support and the mayor not know about it."CNN: Palin's town charged women...(September 22, 2008)