A New Low in PDS: Palin Not Tough Enough on Rape?

Forget questions about her Pentecostal roots or mockery of her term as a small town mayor. The latest symptom of Palin Derangement Syndrome (PDS) may be painting the female Republican governor as an enemy of women, and no, it's not just vis-a-vis the typical pro-choice talking points.

In his September 15 article, ABCNews.com's Justin Rood looks at how "Critics Question Palin's Record on 'Epidemic' Rape, Domestic Violence in Alaska.":

Evangelicals and social conservatives have embraced McCain's vice presidential pick for what they call her "pro-family," "pro-woman" values. But in Alaska, critics say Gov. Sarah Palin has not addressed the rampant sexual abuse, rape, domestic violence and murder that make her state one of the most dangerous places in the country for women and children.

[...]

Despite the governor's pro-family image, public safety experts and advocates for women and children struggled when asked to explain how Palin's leadership has helped address the crisis. And current and former officials from Palin's administration confirmed that an ambitious plan to tackle the crisis has apparently sunk into doldrums after arriving at the governor's office.

The evidence Rood found for Palin being oblivious to or apathetic towards sexual violence and domestic abuse? She didn't spend enough tax money on the problem:

Several victims' advocates noted that Palin did agree to a two percent increase in funding for victim assistance this year. But a March study by a state task force found that level of funding only covered the cost of helping women and children hurt by the epidemic of sexual violence. It was not enough to try to prevent assaults from happening - or to ensure "accountability of offenders," as the panel phrased it.