Press Release

Paralegal Honored for Work on Domestic Violence, Sexual Assault

February 23, 2010

Anchorage, Alaska - Elisabeth Schafer, paralegal in the Sitka District Attorney's Office, has been chosen as "Woman of the Year" by the board of Sitkans Against Family Violence (SAFV) 

Vicki D'Amico, SAFV's program director, says the award recognizes dedication and service to women and children in the community.

"My work with victims of domestic violence is the most satisfying part of my job," said Schafer, who has worked as a paralegal in Sitka since 2002.  "I know that sometimes I am the first person to whom a victim can safely express herself after years of emotional and physical abuse. It's gratifying to see former victims in the community looking healthy, happy and safe."

In addition to her paralegal work, Schafer is a member of Sitka's Domestic Violence Task Force.  She has three adult children and two grandchildren.

The "Woman of the Year" award will be presented at a dinner on April 17 in Sitka. 

"Congratulations to Elisabeth on this timely award," said Attorney General Dan Sullivan. "The Parnell administration has launched a 10-year effort to end the epidemic in Alaska of domestic violence and sexual assault. As we've said, it's going to take all of us addressing this problem from a great many angles. Elisabeth is on the front lines doing a great job, and Alaskans are grateful for her service."

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Department Media Contacts: Communications Director Patty Sullivan at patty.sullivan@alaska.gov or (907) 269-6368. Information Officer Sam Curtis at sam.curtis@alaska.gov or (907) 269-6269.