Wednesday, January 26, 2011

National Network to End Domestic Violence Applauds Attorney General for Addressing Violence Against Women in Indian Country

Washington, D.C. – The National Network to End Domestic Violence (NNEDV) today applauded Attorney General Eric Holder for creating the Violence Against Women Federal and Tribal Prosecution Task Force. The group will create a guide for the federal prosecution of violence against women in Indian Country and recommend specific strategies for prosecuting domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking. 

“We welcome the creation of this task force and commend Attorney General Holder for his leadership,” said Sue Else, president of NNEDV. “In working to end domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking, tribal communities face unique challenges.  This new task force will increase accountability for perpetrators and strengthen public safety.”

In 2005, Congress found that one in three American Indian women are raped during their lifetimes and are nearly three times more likely to be physically abused than Caucasian women.  Another study found that American Indian women are stalked at least twice as much as any other population.

For more information on the Violence Against Women Federal and Tribal Prosecution Task Force, visit http://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/2011/January/11-ag-086.html.

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NNEDV, a 501(c)(3) organization, is the leading voice for domestic violence victims and their allies.  Its members include the 56 state and territorial coalitions against domestic violence.  It works closely with them to understand the needs of domestic violence victims and advocacy programs.  NNEDV has been a premiere national organization advancing the movement against domestic violence for the past 15 years, after leading efforts among domestic violence advocates and survivors in urging Congress to pass the landmark Violence Against Women Act of 1994.  To learn more, please visit www.nnedv.org.