CSVANW January 2018 Newsletter

January 2018 Newsletter

JANUARY IS NATIONAL HUMAN TRAFFICKING PREVENTION MONTH: JOIN THE MOVEMENT

Human trafficking is happening.

It is occurring in our communities right now. Nationally, Native American populations are at a disproportionately higher risk for trafficking due to factors that include (but not limited to) poverty or lack of access to work on or near reservations, homelessness, and exposure to trauma. Trafficking is often an invisible crime that keeps from victims coming forward to seek help because of language barriers, fear of the traffickers, shame and/or fear of law enforcement.

Even more stark for victims of human trafficking is the rate of prosecution in Indian Country. According to a recent DOJ study, from 2013 to 2016 only two federal cases were prosecuted and only 14 federal human trafficking cases were actively investigated from tribal communities. Without data we cannot hold agencies accountable. Without accountability we cannot advocate for resource allocation for our local tribes. We need your help.

January is National Human Trafficking Prevention Month and the Coalition to Stop Violence Against Native Women is asking you to take a stand and join the movement against trafficking in our tribal communities. This month we are supporting national efforts and sharing information through social media to bring awareness to this underground crime that affects our tribes, pueblos and nations.

TRAFFICKING IS NOT NEW TO OUR TRIBAL COMMUNITIES

by Cheyenne Antonio

Trafficking is not new to our tribal communities.

Human Trafficking has been occurring in our tribal communities since pre-colonization over 500 years ago. We often times don't believe it is happening at our own local community store, or at our powwows, or on social media, or within our own bordertowns or casinos, but it is.

It is happening everywhere. According to the Blue Campaign, human trafficking is modern day slavery in exploiting a person through force, fraud, or coercion. Human trafficking is forced labor or sex trafficking. Forced labor trafficking is through "force, fraud or coercion, victims are made to work for little or no pay." Sex trafficking is through forced, fraud or coercion by a person being forced by another person to sell sex, it doesn't matter the age however if the victim is under the age of 18, it is always trafficking, the term child prostitute has been used, but the correct term is trafficking victim

The past year, I have spent time attending gatherings and meetings in both our tribal/urban communities where we've seen growth of laws around trafficking, and an increase in community education and services such as Navajo Nation. We've also seen an increase in direct service providers/community members who are seeking for educational/ training presentations on human trafficking and identifying trafficking and how to support survivors.

As the Project Coordinator for CSVANW- Sex Trafficking initiatives, I have been reaching out to various direct service trafficking organizations, governing entities, taskforces and tribal communities to build more awareness around the trafficking of Native people...to read more click here.

NATIONAL STALKING AWARENESS MONTH:CALL IT FOR WHAT IT IS
by Keioshiah Peter

Have you had someone follow you and show up wherever you are? Either online or in person?
Has someone sent unwanted or excessive gifts, letters, direct messages, or emails to you?
Do you feel like someone is monitoring your phone calls, computer use, or social media activity?
Has someone posted information or spread rumors about you on the Internet, in a public place, or by word of mouth?

If you answered any of these questions with a "yes" for yourself or for someone you care about, you should keep reading this blog because it has information that may help you better understand stalking and cyberstalking.

To begin, the Coalition to Stop Violence Against Native Women acknowledges January as Stalking Awareness Month. We also recognize the long history of colonial violence and systematic oppression that lays the foundation for the disproportionate rates of violence against Native Women and children. No matter where you are, or where you come from, everyone has the inherent right to be and feel safe in their own home, community, and on their territory.

2018 has began with a strong force created by black and brown survivors affected by sexual violence and harassment who have chosen to speak out and hold perpetuators accountable through the #MeToo movement and hashtag. Let's continue the add to the momentum created by Tarana Burke, a strong black women and founder of the #MeToo Movement, to empower and raise the voices of people of color affected by sexual violence and harassment. Today, we focus our attention to bring awareness on stalking and cyberstalking so that you can be armed with the knowledge that could help you or someone you love..to read more click here.

EMERGING STRATEGIES: TRIBAL PROTECTIVE ORDERS

PALM SPRINGS, CA

The National American Indian Court Judges Association (NAICJA) and its collaborative partners hosted the national American Indian Justice Conference (AIJC) on the Agua Caliente Reservation in Southern California on December 7-8, 2017.

CSVANW executive director co-presented with Tribal Chief Judge Randy Collins from the Pueblo of Acoma and Patricia Galindo, staff attorney at the Administrative Office of the Courts for Domestic Violence, Sexual Assault & Guardianship. Their presentation was on Emerging Strategies in Tribal-State Enforcement of Tribal Orders of Protection, speaking primarily about the role of advocates, law enforcement and courts in the public safety of those seeking orders of protection. In more recent years, the Tribal-State Judicial Consortium has been advocating for improved processing and handling of tribal orders of protection across the state. The delegation was honored to present at the national level on what the positive work happening in New Mexico.

For more information about the Tribal-State Judicial Consortium,

CLICK HERE!

CSVANW SELECTED FOR STUFFED ANIMAL DONATION

ALBUQUERQUE, NM

During the month of September Cumulus Radio Station called on their listeners to donate new and gently used stuffed animals. Over 3,000 donations were gathered from Albuquerque metro area listeners and the Coalition to Stop Violence Against Native Women was named a recipient!

CSVANW provided over 300 stuffed animals and toys to various member organizations and partners for the holiday season to give to our families and children in their communities. Representative Victim Advocates who attended our 40 Advancing Advocacy Training, BIA Victim Services, SAFE House Domestic Violence Shelter, and Tesuque Pueblo were a few organizations that received the toys.

We send a huge thank you to Cumulus Radio for making the holiday season special for our Native kids throughout the state!!

THE GIVING TREE BOOK DRIVE

ALBUQUERQUE, NM

The Coalition to Stop Violence Against Native Women and the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center's Shumakalowa Gift Shop partnered for the third annual Giving Tree Book Drive this holiday season to ensure Native children throughout the state would receive new books.

Together, with the help of our communities, we raised over 100 brand new book donations for our member organization domestic violence shelters! We are humbled and grateful for everyone who purchased a book for donation. At CSVANW, we value opportunities to build family connections and promote storytelling as a means of sharing our resiliency. Thank you once again for supporting this valuable initiative!

BUILDING COMMUNITY WITH THE NETWORK

ALBUQUERQUE, NM

The Network is an inclusive collaborate of multidisciplinary, multicultural domestic violence and sexual assault program providers and organizations dedicated to strengthening policies, protocols and services to reduce the incidence of sexual assault and domestic violence in state and tribal communities. This past December the Network called on CSVANW to present on Building Community Engagement.

Deleana OtherBull, our executive director, spoke to a group of nearly 40 change makers about our efforts, strategy and philosophy behind how CSVANW engages investment from our communities and promotes sustainable efforts within the movement to end violence. If you are interested in requesting presentations from CSVANW click here to download a presentation request form.

THANK YOU DEVONA FOR YOUR PASSION AND DEDICATION, YOU WILL BE MISSED!

After two years of service with the Coalition to Stop Violence Against Native Women, Devona Bradford, our Sexual Assault Coordinator will be leaving on January 15, 2018 to pursue her education full-time in the health and medical field. We could not be more happy to support Devona as she transitions back into her educational journey full-time!

In the interim, if you need assistance with sexual assault information or training, please feel free to contact Kim Benally at 505-243-9199.

ELAHKWA FOR YOUR SUPPORT!

by Devona Bradford

ELAHKWA for Your Support!

Whether it be in sexual violence prevention or sexual health advocacy work, there is a constant need for our relatives and Native communities. The need for more Native providers. Native providers who understand the complex layers of our trauma and can provide an array of treatment options and support through this lens. It ' s patient care and language support for grandma who prefers going over her health details in her language. The healthcare environment where mom feels valued and safe to ask questions about her health concerns. And, where little sis can share her experiences and receive medical care without feeling judged.

I have a genuine passion to serve my community. Over seven years ago I took a break from the medical field to do this work and I am grateful for all the opportunities for professional growth. In the past 2 years with the Coalition I have worked alongside some of the most passionate advocates for our needs and the needs of our communities. With this I am excited about pursuing my education and look forward to serving my community in a different capacity and bid farewell to CSVANW.

Elahkwa,

Devona