Public Policy

VAWA 2005 requires DOJ, HHS, and DOI to consult with Indian tribes on an annual basis. This interaction on a nation-to-nation basis has allowed tribal governments and the United States to discuss matters that at the broadest level impact the safety of Indian women, and to propose strategies to address these issues. We hope that our Tribal Coalitions will join this webinar to review outstanding or emerging issues so that together we can address the most serious roadblocks to the safety of Native women.

This webinar will provide updates on recent VAWA reauthorization efforts and the importance of continued advocacy for a permanent VOCA fix for a dedicated tribal funding stream under the Crime Victims Fund (CVF). While a historic victory was achieved by the provision of tribal funding under the CVF in the FY 2018 Omnibus Spending Bill, the Department of Justice is pressed to award $133 million to Indian tribes before September 30, 2018. Discussion will also focus on concerns and challenges the timing of this award presents for tribes.

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

The Violence Against Women Act, 1994-2013 - Fact Sheet

Family Violence Prevention and Services Act - Fact Sheet

While advocacy on the domestic level is vital, violence against American Indian and Alaska Native women also has implications in the international arena. Violence against women is a pervasive human rights violation and the situation indigenous women face is particularly dire. International experts have found that indigenous women often suffer disproportionate and multiple forms of violence and higher rates of murder than other women. Advocacy at the international level can complement and strengthen advocacy efforts on the domestic level.

Together We Are Stronger  
Indigenous Women's Movement to End Violence Against American Indian, Alaska Native, and Aboriginal Women  
United Nations Church Center Chapel  
March 22, 2016

The National Congress of American Indians Task Force on Violence Against Women will provide an update on efforts to remove barriers preventing American Indian tribes and Alaska Native villages from accessing the Crime Victim Fund. Unlike state and territorial governments, tribal governments do not receive an annual allocation from the Crime Victims Fund to help crime victims in their communities.

Connecting the Dots: An Overview of the Links Among Multiple Forms of Violence is a publication of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and Prevention Institute.