StrongHearts Native Helpline Update! A Historic Step Forward
I
n March 2017, the StrongHearts Native Helpline began taking its first calls as a culturally-appropriate, confidential service for Native Americans affected by domestic violence and dating abuse.
Staffed by advocates with a strong understanding of Native cultures, as well as issues of tribal sovereignty and law, the StrongHearts Native Helpline connects American Indian and Alaska Native victims one-on- one with advocates who provide immediate support, assist with safety planning, and refer them to Native-specific services based on their tribal affiliation, location and culture.
“The lives of our Native people and the safety of our tribal communities remain at the heart of our work as we develop this critically needed resource,” said Lucy Simpson, executive director of the National Indigenous Women’s Resource Center (NIWRC). “For the past several years, we have been working closely with the National Domestic Violence Hotline to make our vision a reality.”
The StrongHearts Native Helpline is a partnered effort, combining the NIWRC’s Native-centered expertise and community connections,
along with the technology and infrastructure of the National Domestic Violence Hotline (The Hotline).
Fulfilling a Critical Need
As highlighted by the National Institute of Justice’s 2016 study analyzing data reported in the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s 2010 National Intimate Partner and Sexual Partner Survey, American Indians and Alaska Natives experience some of the highest rates of physical and sexual violence in the United States.
The report also focused on the need for supportive services in tribal communities. It found that of those who had experienced violence, half of Native women and nearly one in five Native men required victim services.
To help address this critical need, the StrongHearts Native Helpline provides culturally- appropriate support, referrals and safety planning through trained, knowledgeable Native advocates with support from the Administration on Children, Youth and Families, Family and Youth Services Bureau, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, and Verizon.
The National Congress of American Indians passed a resolution in October 2014 during its Atlanta meeting in support of a national Native helpline for Native adult and youth victims of domestic violence and dating violence.
How StrongHearts Can Help
Trained advocates are available by phone Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. CST at 1-844-7NATIVE (1-844-762-8483). Callers after hours will have the option to connect with the National Domestic Violence Hotline or to call back the next business day.
StrongHearts takes calls from Native victims of domestic violence, those concerned about a loved one, people who identify as abusive, or from anyone seeking help for someone else.
Visit strongheartshelpline.org for more information about domestic violence and dating violence, getting help and staying safe. Contact info@strongheartshelpline for more details about how to get involved.
Steeped in Tribal Cultures and Expertise
As part of its Native-centered approach, StrongHearts advocates, as well as staff, have unique ties to tribal communities. Caroline LaPorte is the first Native Affairs Senior Policy Advisor for the StrongHearts Native Helpline and is an immediate descendant of the Little River Band of Ottawa Indians.
In her policy work, LaPorte, a licensed attorney in the state of Texas who concurrently serves on the NIWRC’s Policy Team, will focus on specialized issues including criminal justice, children and youth, firearms, housing and human rights relating to domestic violence in tribal communities.
Before joining StrongHearts, LaPorte worked as a family law attorney and at Dallas CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates), an organization that represents children in foster care. She previously held positions as a clerk in both the Office of Tribal Justice within the Department of Justice and the Little River Band of Ottawa Indians criminal justice system.
She has a Juris Doctor degree from the University of Miami School of Law in Florida and a bachelor’s degree in philosophy from Baylor University in Texas.
