VAWA is a landmark piece of legislation that seeks to improve the criminal justice response to domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault and stalking. The passage of VAWA in 1994 and its subsequent reauthorizations have changed the lives of victims who once suffered in silence.
VAWA is currently up for reauthorization with key provisions strengthening protections for indigenous women on reservations.
Unfortunately, small group of Senators has voiced opposition to the tribal provisions in Title IX. Specifically, Senator Kyl (R-AZ) is engaged in an ongoing effort to strip the tribal provisions before permitting the bill to move forward.
We need your help immediately to prevent this from happening.
Please call the following members of the Senate Indian Affairs Committee IMMEDIATELY and urge them to support the tribal provisions in S.1925
John Barrasso, Vice Chairman (WY)
(202) 224-6441
John McCain, Member (AZ)
(202) 224-2235
John Hoeven, Member (ND)
(202) 224-2551
Mike Johanns, Member (NE)
(202) 224-4224
Michael Crapo, Member (ID)
(202) 224-6142
Lisa Murkowski, Member (AK)
(202) 224-6665
When you call, ask to speak with the staff person working on the Violence Against Women Act Reauthorization and tell him/her that:
"The tribal provisions in Section 904 of S.1925 are absolutely critical to ensure the safety of Native women and their equal access to justice."
More talking points on the tribal provisions and educational materials are listed below:
- Frequently Asked Questions regarding tribal provisions issued by DOJ
- VAWA Tribal Talking points
- General Convention Resolution 1994-A055
- General Convention Resolution 2000-D073
- General Convention Resolution 2000-C025
- And the latest issue of Restoration of Native Sovereignty and Safety for Native Women.