Domestic and Sexual Abuse Help and Resources
The United States has made progress in the fight against domestic and sexual violence, but
the problems are still pervasive. According to Futures Without Violence, nearly one in four women in the U.S. has experienced violence at the hands of a current or former spouse or boyfriend. And although child sexual abuse has reportedly dropped significantly since 1993, victim advocacy groups like Stop it Now state that 88 percent of sexual abuse of children is not reported. (About 90 percent of victims know their abusers.)
Native American women experience violence at a rate higher than any other ethnicity, according to the U.S. Department of Justice. One in three will be the victim of violence at some point in her life. Tribal leaders, organizations, policy advocates, and service providers have coordinated a massive effort to defend and protect the rights of women and children in tribal lands.
Below are two lists: One for immediate help for victims of domestic violence or sexual abuse, the other of organizations that provide advocacy and other resources.
HOTLINES FOR SURVIVORS
If you or someone you know is feeling threatened or experiencing abuse, contact service providers at one of these national hotlines for confidential support. Advocates can refer you to local resources in your state or territory.
National Domestic Violence Hotline
1-800-799-7233
Advocates are available for victims and anyone calling on their behalf to provide crisis intervention, safety planning, information, and referrals to agencies in all 50 states, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Assistance is available in English and Spanish, with access to more than 170 languages through interpreter services.
National Sexual Assault Hotline
1-800-656-4673
Among its programs, the Rape Abuse and Incest National Network (RAINN) created and operates the National Sexual Assault Hotline. This nationwide partnership of more than 1,100 local rape treatment hotlines provides victims of sexual violence with free, confidential services around the clock.
The Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline
1-800-4-A-CHILD (1-800-422-4453)
Serving the U.S., its territories, and Canada, the hotline is staffed 24 hours a day, seven days a week with professional crisis counselors who, through interpreters, can provide assistance in 170 languages.
National Teen Dating Abuse Helpline
1-866-331-9474 or 1-800-331-8453 (TTY) or text “loveis” to 77054
The National Teen Dating Abuse Helpline provides 24/7 phone, text, and chat services designed for young people involved in dating abuse relationships as well as concerned friends, parents, teachers, clergy, law enforcement, and service providers.
ORGANIZATIONS
The following organizations provide resources and advocacy to stop, prevent, and prosecute violence against women and children. Many, but not all, focus on assisting Native Americans and Alaska Natives.
Clan Star
A not-for-profit organization under the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, Clan Star is devoted to improving justice to strengthen the sovereignty of Indigenous women through legal, legislative, and policy initiatives, and education and awareness.
In addition to administering the Office on Violence Against Women, which provides resources for tribal communities, the U.S. Department of Justice Defending Childhood initiative works to eliminate the exposure of children to violence as victims and as witnesses.
Futures Without Violence
Futures Without Violence is a leading violence prevention organization that works closely with tribal health leaders to promote sustainable responses to domestic and sexual violence against women and children.
Indian Health Service (IHS)
IHS is an agency within the Department of Health and Human Services responsible for providing federal health services to American Indians and Alaska Natives.
Indian Law Resource Center
The Center’s “Safe Women, Strong Nations” project partners with Native women’s organizations and Indian and Alaska Native nations to raise awareness, provide legal advice, and increase capacity to prevent violence and punish offenders on their lands.
ManUp Campaign
The ManUp Campaign’s Native American delegation works with men on tribal lands to train and equip them to support the movement to end violence against Native women.
This organization works from a social change perspective to end violence against Native women and children while restoring the safety, sovereignty, and sacredness of Native women.
National Children’s Alliance
National Children’s Alliance provides training, support, technical assistance, and leadership on a national level to local child advocacy centers, and communities responding to reports of child abuse and neglect.
National Congress of American Indians (NCAI)
Founded in 1944, NCAI is the oldest and largest American Indian and Alaska Native organization serving the broad interests of tribal governments and communities, including child welfare.
National Indian Women’s Health Resource Center
A national non-profit organization of health providers, health planners, health administrators, and elected tribal leaders dedicated to the health and well-being of American Indian and Alaska Native women.
National Indigenous Women’s Resource Center
A Native nonprofit organization created specifically to address domestic violence and safety for Indian women through public awareness and resource development, training and technical assistance, policy development, and research activities.
The Pixel Project
The Pixel Project aims to raise awareness, funds, and volunteer power for the cause to end violence against women using the power of the Internet and new technologies.
Stop It Now
Stop It Now prevents the sexual abuse of children by mobilizing adults, families, and communities to take actions that protect children before they are harmed.
A comprehensive website for American Indian and Alaska Native Nations and people, tribal justice systems, victims services providers, tribal service providers, and others involved in the improvement of justice in tribal lands.
