Restoration Magazine

Strengthening Tribal Capacity to Advance Safety and Sovereignty

Abstract 

American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) communities experience alarmingly high rates of domestic violence and sexual violence, yet face persistent challenges to safety, justice, and healing. Tribal-led domestic violence programs are uniquely positioned to address these challenges by offering traditionally grounded, trauma-informed services rooted in Native values. Despite their critical role, these programs remain underfunded and overextended, often lacking sufficient shelter capacity, staffing support, and infrastructure. This white paper outlines the current landscape of domestic violence in Indian Country, the limitations of existing federal funding mechanisms, and offers targeted federal policy recommendations aimed at strengthening Tribal capacity, increasing access to life-saving services, and advancing Tribal sovereignty in the delivery of care.

Background

Domestic violence remains a public health crisis in American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) communities. More than 84% of AI/AN women have experienced violence in their lifetime, and over half have experienced sexual violence. As a result, AI/AN women face higher rates of physical injury, increased economic hardship, and limited access to vital supportive services. The homicide rate for AI/AN women is more than 10 times the national average, with 96% of perpetrators identified as non-American Indian and Alaska Native. In 2023, the National Institute of Justice reported more than 2 in 5 AI/AN female victims reported being physically injured and more than a third (38%) were unable to receive necessary services such as medical and legal care. These outcomes reflect a public health and safety crisis with long-standing gaps in protection and prevention.

AI/AN survivors frequently encounter a range of interrelated challenges rooted in the enduring effects of historical and intergenerational trauma. These challenges include housing insecurity, substance use disorders, long-term health issues, economic hardship, and elevated rates of maternal and infant mortality. These compounding challenges can significantly hinder survivors’ ability to access safety, stability, and healing. Despite the high prevalence of need, fewer than 60 Tribal domestic violence shelters exist across Indian Country, leaving the vast majority of the 576 federally recognized Tribes without access to dedicated shelter services. In addition, access to specialized legal aid and traditionally-grounded programs designed to strengthen the mental, emotional, physical, spiritual, and traditional health of survivors remains highly limited.

Between 2017-2040, AI/AN populations are projected to see a 10% increase in all-cause premature deaths and the highest mortality rates in 2030. Adverse childhood experiences (ACES), trauma, mental health, substance use, financial dependence, unresolved grief, and isolation can significantly affect individuals experiencing domestic violence. These risks are further exacerbated by broader social determinants of health, including poverty, underemployment, housing instability, education, and limited access to healthcare. Additional influences, including historical trauma, behavioral, social, and political factors, further shape health, relationships, and overall well-being. Together, these interconnected conditions increase vulnerability to violence and hinder long-term safety, stability, and healing for AI/ AN survivors.

FVPSA and VOCA

Enacted in 1984, the Family Violence Prevention and Services Act (FVPSA) remains the only federal funding source specifically dedicated to supporting emergency shelter and supportive services for victims of family violence, domestic violence, or dating violence and their dependents. FVPSA provides critical support for a range of initiatives, including funding for state and Tribal shelter programs, state domestic violence coalitions, training and technical assistance providers, and the National Domestic Violence Hotline. Through FVPSA funding, many Tribal Nations have developed and expanded domestic violence programs that deliver comprehensive traditionally-responsive services. These services often include emergency shelter, safety planning, counseling, legal advocacy, childcare, life skills education, and access to basic necessities such as food, clothing, and transportation.

In 2024, FVPSA supported over 240 Tribal domestic violence programs, many of which are the only domestic violence service providers in their communities. Despite the high demand for services, all but 36 of these programs were awarded core grant amounts that were too limited to support even a single full-time advocate. This funding gap underscores the urgent need for increased and sustained investment in Tribal domestic violence services.

The Importance of Tribal-Led Domestic Violence Services

Tribal-led domestic violence programs play an essential role in providing traditionally responsive, trauma-informed support to AI/AN survivors. These programs operate at the junction of public health, tradition preservation, and community safety, offering services that reflect the unique traditions, values, and lived experiences of Native peoples.

Tribal-led services are particularly vital given the complex and often inadequate infrastructure of support for AI/AN survivors. Geographic isolation, jurisdictional challenges, a shortage of law enforcement, scarce judicial systems, and historical trauma contribute to a landscape in which Native survivors often face significant challenges to safety and justice. In many cases, due to limited shelter capacity or a lack of available services, Tribal programs must refer survivors to off-reservation providers; disconnecting them from their traditions and community at a time when connection is most critical.

Traditionally-grounded services go beyond crisis response. They incorporate traditional practices such as cedar baths, the use of spiritual medicines, and the creation of healing spaces where survivors can eat, bathe, and receive spiritual support. Some programs integrate language revitalization, agriculture, and seasonal ceremonial practices, including community gardens that provide food security, cultural healing, and opportunities to share intergenerational knowledge. These services reinforce Tribal values and foster a sense of belonging and dignity throughout the healing process.

Despite the indispensable role these programs play, they often face significant capacity limitations. Many communities lack sufficient numbers of advocates, lawyers, and social workers due to limited funding that can be applied to each tribe’s unique area(s) of need. Housing shortages on reservations, compounded by multigenerational living arrangements and the absence of rental options with minimal obstacles, make it difficult to find safe, stable placements for survivors. Even when rental assistance is available, it cannot be utilized if there are no units to rent. Transportation challenges and inconsistent internet access further limit access to services, particularly in rural areas. In some communities, shelters have minimal space or do not exist at all.

Investing in Tribal domestic violence programs is essential to address these persistent structural gaps. These programs are best equipped to meet the traditional, emotional, and practical needs of AI/AN survivors and their families. Ensuring consistent, flexible, and sustainable funding for Tribal services is crucial to improving safety, enhancing healing outcomes, and honoring Tribal sovereignty in the response to domestic violence.

Conclusion

American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) communities continue to face a widespread crisis of domestic violence and sexual violence, compounded by historical trauma, jurisdictional challenges, and limited access to essential services. Tribal-led domestic violence programs provide traditionally-centered, trauma-informed support that reflects the strengths and sovereignty of Native peoples. However, these programs remain underfunded and overextended, limiting their reach and impact. Strengthening the response to domestic violence in Tribal communities requires increased and sustained federal investment, expanded Tribal set-asides, and recognition of the vital role Tribes play in shaping effective, traditionally-grounded solutions. Supporting Tribal driven approaches is key to improving safety, access to services, and long-term healing for AI/AN survivors.

This project was made possible by Grant Number 90-EV0533-04 from the Administration on Children, Youth and Families, Family and Youth Services Bureau, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Its contents are solely the responsibility of the authors and do not necessarily represent the official views of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.