Congresswoman Gwen Moore Introduces Bipartisan Domestic Violence Resolution Recognizing The Crisis Of Violence Against Native Women

Statement

Today, Congresswoman Gwen Moore (WI-4) released the following statement in conjunction with the introduction of a House Resolution that recognizes the crisis of violence against Native women:
"Native American women are facing a crisis in this country of epic proportion and we can no long stand by as they face murder rates more than 10 times the national average. American Indian women and Alaska Natives between the ages of 10 and 34 are being murdered at a rate that should not only shock us but, compel Congress to act swiftly on their behalf. That's why this resolution I'm introducing along with Chairman Raul Grijalva and Representatives, Deb Haaland, Sharice Davids, Don Young and Tom Cole is so important. Vulnerable people are under threat and it's time we act swiftly to combat this epidemic of violence," Congresswoman Moore said.

"Violence against Native women is an epidemic that deserves our attention and action. Last month the Natural Resources Committee held a historic hearing to find solutions and end the silent crisis of missing and murdered indigenous women. We heard the heartbreaking stories that have become all too common, of Native women and girls suffering from attacks, violence and murder. When American Indian and Alaska Native women on tribal land have murder rates ten times the national average something is wrong. We can't continue to let our native sisters, mothers, and daughters suffer. This resolution is part of the broader attention that this issue deserves," said Chairman Grijalva.

"My late wife is Alaska Native, and when I think about my Native family members, it breaks my heart to know that Alaska Native and American Indian women and girls face rates of violence far higher than the national average," said Congressman Don Young. "The goal of our resolution is simple: support restoring the authority of Tribal law enforcement and courts to take action to protect Native women within the boundaries of Native lands. Protecting Native American women and girls isn't a Republican or Democrat issue, which is why I am proud to partner with Representatives Moore, Haaland, Davids, Grijalva, and Cole on this resolution that is so close to my heart. As we advance the reauthorization of VAWA this Congress, I will continue prioritizing the protection of women and girls in Indian Country."

"Native women and girls experience violence at far higher rates than any other female population in the country -- an epidemic that has been neglected for far too long. I'm proud to join my colleagues to help shine a light on this crisis and to ensure the health and safety of our Native women," said Congressman Davids.

Congressman Cole said, "The prevalence of domestic violence present in Indian Country is absolutely heartbreaking, particularly for Native American women. Unfortunately, federal law enforcement and prosecution has been wholly insufficient on tribal lands in the past. As a tribal member and co-chair of the Native American Caucus, I am proud to join with my colleagues in support of solutions which empower sovereign tribal nations to pursue justice for crimes against Native women taking place on their own lands."

"The resounding support from my colleagues from across the country acknowledging our stolen sisters and committing to address the epidemic of missing and murdered indigenous women is a shift from years past," said Congresswoman Deb Haaland. "This resolution acknowledges the failure of the federal government to provide proper resources to address this silent crisis, which is the first step toward finding solutions."

The Indian Law and Order Commission's (2013) Report noted that "When Congress and the Administration ask why the crime rate is so high in Indian country, they need look no further than the archaic system in place, in which Federal and State authority displaces Tribal authority and often makes Tribal law enforcement meaningless." That report, titled, "A Roadmap for Making Native America Safer," recommended the restoration of tribal courts authority to prosecute all crimes within the exterior boundaries of their lands including dating violence, domestic violence, child violence, and violence committed against members of the tribal justice system.

According to a 2010 Government Accountability Office report, the Offices of the United States Attorneys declined to prosecute nearly 52 percent of violent crimes that occur in Indian country. During the 2013 VAWA Reauthorization, which I championed in the House, I fought hard for provisions to try and close these gaps in enforcement on tribal lands that abusers were using to their advantage. And even as the VAWA authorization that is scheduled to come to the House floor this week builds on those efforts, more can be done.

"When our own federal law enforcement officials turn down prosecuting those accused of harming Native populations, it's time for us to act to help untie bound hands capable of protecting their own people," said Congresswoman Moore.

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