Frequently Asked Questions about Native American Women and Domestic Violence:

Crime victimization rates in the American Indian community are significantly higher than in the general U.S. population. The frequency of battering in Indian Country is believed to be much higher than the national norm. American Indians, in general, experience per capita rates of violence that are more than twice those of the resident population. (1999 study by the US Department of Justice's Bureau of Justice Statistics.)

As a result of these high rates of violence, American Indian women are at high risk of homicide, including domestic violence. (College of Emergency Physicians Report in 1995). Homicide is the 3rd leading cause of death for Native women. Of Native American women murdered, over 75% were killed by a family member, an acquaintance, or someone they knew. (Homicide and Suicide Among Native American 1979-1992).

Lack of sufficient funding for domestic violence resources in Native communities often means there is only a crisis-oriented response rather than a more comprehensive one to the battering of women and children.

Also the lack of enforcement of tribal protective orders by other jurisdictions place Indian Women and their children at severe risk.

For information on when the Indian Child Welfare Act applies go to:

Following are some resources available to the Native American woman and her children who are victims of domestic violence:

Sacred Circle is a project of Cangleska, Inc., a private, non-profit, tribally-chartered organization. Cangleska, Inc. is a nationally recognized organization providing domestic violence and sexual assault prevention/intervention services.

Mending the Sacred Hoop
202 East Superior Street
Duluth, MN 55802
888-305-1650 (toll free)

Northern Plains Tribal Judicial Institute
701-777-6176
Legal Referrals

American Indian Law Center, Inc.
P.O. Box 4456, Station A
Albuquerque, NM 87196
505-277-5462
Legal Referrals