Native Women May Be Excluded From VAWA Reauthorization

Rumors are swirling in DC about what's stalling the reauthorization of the Violence Against Women Act. The House bill, which stripped protections for Native women victimized by non-Native men, among other groups, must be reconciled with a more inclusive Senate version. Indian Country Today Media Network was able to get some confirmation that the GOP is blocking the reauthorization solely to prevent the inclusion of protections for Native women. Representative Tom Cole, a Republican from Oklahoma and a member of the Chickasaw nation, argues that Tribes deserve local jurisdiction and that tribes need effective police power and protection in their own territory. The National Task Force to End Sexual and Domestic Violence Against Women also clarifies some of the facts about Title IX, Safety For Indian Women.

If you want Native women to have protection from domestic violence—no matter who commits it— contact Congressman Eric Cantor, who is leading the negotiations to draft new legislation before Congress breaks for the holidays.