In For Native American Women, Scourge of Rape, Rare Justice, an article published in the New York Times today, Timothy Williams explores the need for necessary provisions in the Violence Against Women Act to protect Native American women who are victims of sexual and domestic violence. Williams writes:

But according a survey by the Alaska Federation of Natives, the rate of sexual violence in rural villages like Emmonak is as much as 12 times the national rate. And interviews with Native American women here and across the nation’s tribal reservations suggest an even grimmer reality: They say few, if any, female relatives or close friends have escaped sexual violence.

Last week the House of Representatives passed their version of the Violence Against Women Act reauthorization. This version does not provide any protections for LGBTQ, tribal, or immigrant women who are victims of sexual or domestic violence. The bill does not advance our work as advocates to support victims, especially those who are vulnerable or marginalized. CALCASA will continue to lobby for the Senate version of the bill as VAWA moves into committee. If you are interested in learning more or taking action, visit 4vawa.org!