The Office on Violence Against Women (OVW) commemorated Native American Heritage Month by acknowledging the resilience and leadership of American Indian and Alaskan Native victims and survivors. The OVW recognized the dedication of Tribal leaders, advocates, and survivors in their efforts to combat gender-based violence within their communities.
This year marks the 30th anniversary of the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA), originally enacted in 1994. The Tribal Affairs Division (TAD) of OVW was established following the enactment of Title IX of the 2005 reauthorization of VAWA, also known as the Safety for Indian Women Act. "Next year, we will commemorate the 20th anniversary of this landmark legislation," noted an official statement from OVW.
The Deputy Director of TAD has served since 2017 and shared that "the division has more than tripled in size." Currently, TAD administers four grant programs focused specifically on Tribal governments and organizations. In fiscal year 2024, OVW awarded $86 million in grants through TAD, an increase from previous years.
A significant event hosted by OVW was the Annual Violence Against Women Government-to-Government Tribal Consultation held last week in Santa Fe, New Mexico. Nearly 500 participants attended to discuss issues such as making OVW funding more accessible and expanding support for Tribes exercising special Tribal criminal jurisdiction over non-Native perpetrators.
The Deputy Director expressed gratitude to all who participated: "I extend my deep gratitude to all the Tribal leaders and community members who made the journey to join us at this year’s Consultation."
Since its reauthorization in 2013, VAWA has acknowledged participating Tribes' authority over certain crimes committed by non-Indians on Tribal land. This recognition expanded with VAWA's 2022 reauthorization to include additional crimes like sexual assault and stalking. To aid Tribes implementing this jurisdiction, a new initiative called Intertribal Technical Assistance Working Group on STCJ was launched.
In October, a planning meeting took place for a new initiative addressing Missing or Murdered Indigenous People (MMIP). The Healing and Response Teams Special Initiative aims to address MMIP issues intersecting with gender-based violence.
Additionally, OVW supported launching a resource hub named National Tribal Clearinghouse on Sexual Assault at supportingourcircle.org. This hub provides information related to sexual assault issues within Tribal communities.
DOJ renewed its charter for a task force dedicated to research on violence against American Indian and Alaska Native women. This task force assists with NIJ's research program focusing on various forms of violence against these women.
Lastly, OVW established a council consisting of Tribally elected or appointed leaders aimed at fostering discussion between OVW and Tribal government leaders regarding federal programs under VAWA titles.
As Native American Heritage Month concludes, there is encouragement from officials: "I ask that you remember... those in our Tribal communities who are missing or murdered... I encourage you throughout the year... celebrating our cultures."