The National Indigenous Women’s Resource Center (NIWRC) and the STTARS Indigenous Safe Housing Center (STTARS) recognize October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month (DVAM). It is a time to commemorate those lost to domestic violence, honor the resilience of survivors, and foster connections among those dedicated to ending gender-based violence.
Reclaiming Our Sacredness
The National Indigenous Women’s Resource Center (NIWRC) and the STTARS Indigenous Safe Housing Center (STTARS) recognize October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month (DVAM). It is a time to commemorate those lost to domestic violence, honor the resilience of survivors, and foster connections among those dedicated to ending gender-based violence.
American Indian and Alaska Native women, in particular, suffer the highest rates of domestic violence and sexual assault, with more than 4 in 5 — a staggering 84.3% — having experienced violence in their lifetime. In addition, 96% of American Indian and Alaska Native female victims of sexual violence experienced violence at the hands of a non-Native perpetrator (i.e., individuals of other races). This violence continues to be multilayered, occurring over a lifetime.
Addressing this violence requires consistent, strong-hearted advocacy for social change at the Tribal, Native Hawaiian, federal, state, and local levels. It is integral to understand that the safety of Indigenous women and children requires the full restoration of Tribal sovereignty, the reclamation of Indigenous belief systems, and fully funded resources for healthcare, housing, justice, and other rightful, basic necessities.
We also recognize that domestic violence and sexual violence disproportionately impact individuals of all genders. It is crucial for Indigenous advocates and communities to acknowledge that our LGBTQ2S+ relatives experience unique barriers in accessing help, resources, and support around IPV. Our work to raise awareness of gender-based violence includes a commitment to honoring traditional Indigenous teachings that promote respect for all identities and celebrate diversity. As relatives, we carry the responsibility to raise our voices against harmful actions toward our Two-Spirit and LGBTQ+ community. Reclaiming the sacredness of all relatives and prioritizing both safety and accountability are central to restoring harmony and balance within our Tribal and Native Hawaiian nations.
In line with honoring this reclamation, we are pleased to announce two key events during this month’s awareness schedule. On October 2, join us for a special webinar in which we honor Tillie Black Bear, the Grandmother of the movement to end violence against Indigenous women. This virtual session, “Reclaiming the Sacredness of Tribal Women: Honoring the Words of Tillie Black Bear,” will highlight how her teachings and legacy continue to inspire this nationwide movement. Additionally, you are invited to our panel discussion on October 18, "Empowering Indigenous Voices: Leading the Fight Against Intimate Partner Violence,” emphasizing the significance of centering women's and survivors' voices in Indigenous advocacy. Elder Indigenous advocates will encourage meaningful dialogue about the vital role our experiences play in shaping policy and program development and promoting inclusivity.
We deeply appreciate each of our cherished relatives and allies who constitute the nationwide movement dedicated to eradicating violence against Indigenous women and children. Please join NIWRC and STTARS in acknowledging October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month as we uplift the work of Indigenous advocates and the expertise of survivors. Together, let us speak the truth that women are sacred and violence is not traditional.
We reclaim our sacred voices.
To view the original email, please click here.
- Sunday, October 1, 2023
First Day of DVAM, Tillie Black Bear Day
- Monday, October 2, 2023
Webinar: “Reclaiming the Sacredness of Tribal Women: Honoring the Words of Tillie Black Bear” - Join us at 1:00 pm (MDT) for the “Reclaiming the Sacredness of Tribal Women: Honoring the Words of Tillie Black Bear” webinar! Register now.
More Information: Known as the Grandmother of the movement to end violence against Indigenous women, Tillie Black Bear (Sicangu Lakota) was the first Indigenous woman to testify before Congress to bring awareness to the disproportionate rates of violence Indigenous women face. Tillie’s efforts have increased awareness and understanding of violence against Indigenous women, resulting in significant accomplishments at the Tribal, state, and federal levels.
- Tuesday, October 12, 2023
Twitter Storm - We’ll see you at 11:00 am (MDT) for the DVAM Twitter Storm! Engage by liking, tweeting, retweeting, and quote-tweeting the hashtags #DVAM2023, #DVAM, and #WomenAreSacred.
- Wednesday, October 18, 2023
Panel Discussion: "Reclaiming Women’s and Survivors’ Voices to Re-center Indigenous Advocacy" - You are invited to the 1:00 pm (MDT) DVAM panel "Reclaiming Women’s and Survivors’ Voices to Re-center Indigenous Advocacy" with guest speakers Karen Artichoker, Tina Olson, and Genne James! Get signed up today. Registration is already open. More Information: Indigenous cultures recognize the power, leadership, and expertise of women. This panel of elder Indigenous advocates will discuss how women’s and survivors’ voices are necessary for guiding policy and the development of programs. Daily program practices should reflect the experiences of women and survivors. This conversation also addresses questions about forums for teaching, learning, and sharing.
- Thursday, October 19, 2023
Purple Thursday - Let us stand in solidarity with survivors by wearing purple (shirts, sweaters, dresses, scarves, glasses, etc.) on October 19th. If you're posting to social media and would like to share your support, feel free to tag us and use the hashtag #purplethursday.
More Information: Why do we wear purple? Three enduring themes remain at the heart of DVAM activities both historically and in present-day: Commemorating those we've lost to domestic violence, honoring the resilience of survivors, and fostering connections among those dedicated to combating gender-based violence. Purple encompasses all of these themes, uniting us as relatives, and expresses that no one is alone in this journey. Read more about the herstory of DVAM.
- Wednesday, October 25, 2023
Live Chat: Rewatch the Webinar - Join us for a rewatch! We'll be streaming "Understanding the Dynamics and Tactics of Intimate Partner Violence through the Lens of Indigenous Survivors" at 1:00 pm (MDT) with a live chat and a Q&A session hosted by our Technical Assistance & Training Team! Register now to join.
- Thursday, October 26, 2023
Twitter Storm: STTARS - We’d appreciate your support at 11:00 am (MDT) for the STTARS Indigenous Safe Housing Center's Twitter Storm! Engage by liking, tweeting, retweeting, and quote-tweeting the hashtags #DVAM2023, #DVAM, #WomenAreSacred, and #SafeHousing4All.
Explore
Purchase
- Shirt - “Domestic Violence is Not Traditional” T-Shirt from the NIWRC Etsy Store
- Booklet - “Privacy, Confidentiality, and Privileged Communications: Keystones to Safety”
Download
- Poster/PDF - Intimate Partner Violence Triangle
- Poster/PDF - Respect Wheel: Natural Life-Supporting Power Descriptions
- Poster/PDF - The 6-Point Action Plan
- Booklet - ”A Guide to Harmony For Women and Children Living in Shelter”
- Booklet - “From the Roots Up: An Overview of Shelter and Advocacy Program Development in Indian Country"
Inform
- Fact Sheet: Violence Against Women Act (VAWA)
- Fact Sheet: STTARS Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) (Housing and Shelter)
- NIWRC’s Quorum Page: Take Action!
- NIWRC’s Most Recent Legislative Update
- NIWRC’s United States v. Rahimi Amicus Brief
Read
- Article - Restoration of Native Sovereignty and Safety for Native Women from Restoration Magazine
- Article - Unci Tillie Black Bear Annual Women Are Sacred Day from Restoration Magazine
- Article - Stories are our Medicine from Restoration Magazine
- Toolkit - Creating Healing Spaces with and for 2S+/LGBTQ+ Victim-Survivors of Domestic Violence
- PDF - Domestic Violence Awareness: Action for Social Change from VAWnet.org
- Policy Brief - STTARS Violence Against Women Act Policy Brief (Housing and Shelter)
- Policy Brief - STTARS MMIW Practical Responses for Housing Authorities, Property Managers, Residents, Tribal Council/Leadership, Community
- News - The STTARS Mailing List.
Watch, Listen
- Webinar Series - Tillie Black Bear Seasonal Healings Camps:
- STTARS Two-Part Webinar Series with HUD: STTARS Webinar Series with HUD -
- Webinar - Inspiring Change: Planning for Domestic Violence Awareness Month in Indian Country
- Podcast - Speaking Our Truth, Podcast for Change:
- Specialty Institute June 2022 with NIWRC and STTARS - Addressing the Spectrum of Housing for Victims/Survivors of DV, Sexual Violence, and Trafficking in Tribal Communities
- STTARS Webinar - Responding to Housing Insecurity/Homelessness Issues for Indigenous Elders who are Victims of Domestic Violence
- Webinar - Uplifting the Indigenous LGBTQ2S+ Community through Indigenous Empowerment and Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) Prevention
- StrongHearts Native Helpline 1-844-7NATIVE (762-8483) is a 24/7 safe, confidential, and anonymous domestic, dating, and sexual violence helpline for Native Americans and Alaska Natives, offering culturally appropriate support and advocacy. Visit strongheartshelpline.org and click on the “Chat Now” icon to connect one-on-one with a live advocate.
- National Domestic Violence Hotline 1-800-799-7233 (SAFE). TTY 1-800-787-3224.
- The National Dating Abuse Helpline 1-866-331-9474. TTY 1-866-331-8453. Text “loveis” to 22522. Live chat at www.loveisrespect.org.
