I just wanted to put this one out there.
Reauthorization of the bill is in reality a band-aid on a major wound. Tribal programs addressing domestic violence is complicated and it’s going to take more than a shelter. The problem requires education and a commitment to reverse this deadly trend.The problem is also legal. One in three Indian women are raped. One in three. That constitutes an emergency. It would immediately be addressed if it were happening to any other racial group. Indian women are given third world status in terms of being treated with respect and dignity. Indian people are the most physically assaulted racial group in the United States. More specifically, the most physically assaulted race of people assailed by other races. Accordingly, other races beat up Indian people in far greater numbers than any other racial group. Rape and murder falls under the seven major crimes Indian courts cannot prosecute. More importantly Indian courts cannot try non-Indians for crimes against their own people. And the bad guys know this.
The article says a lot more. Pretty intense. Remember this is a commentary, so you may not agree with everything, I don't necessarily, but it is an issue not talked about.
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Is rape an accepted cultural practice in native american societies in terms of a pro-creation strategy?
you must be kidding me. i haven't yet read the article, but i currently live on a native reservation. i teach at a native college. no, rape is not culturally accepted. it is an epidemic. the number of children that are molested is also appalling. so much has to do with alcohol and drug abuse. with the despair in the area. and with past wrongs committed by non-natives (white people) against them through boarding schools, the government, etc. it is a very complicated deal and there are simply not enough resources to deal with all the problems facing these people.
the relationship between the federal government and the tribes is complicated. a non-indian who commits a crime against an "indian" (in BIA speak) is tried by the federal government. the FBI investigates. of course, there is a huge shortage of agents and police officers, so most crimes don't get addressed properly.
JJS--
The article says it is people from OUTSIDE the community that are coming in and raping these women. Furthermore, they are not able to try non-indians in their courts. And it goes on about the websites and terms used by OUTSIDE men to objectify these women.
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According to an Amnesty International report, Native American and Alaska Native women in the United States suffer disproportionately high levels of rape and sexual violence, yet the federal government has created substantial barriers to accessing justice.
In 2005, the efforts of activists nationwide led to Congressional reauthorization of the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA), which seeks to address domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking in the United States and provide victims with vital resources. The Tribal Title (Title IX) of VAWA was established to address the specific needs of Native American and Alaska Native women. You can help ensure the rights of Native American and Alaska Native women right now by urging the US government to fully fund VAWA, particularly the Tribal Title (Title IX).