Human Rights Commission Asks US House to Pass Protections for American Indian Women

Native News Network Staff in Native Currents. Discussion »

SEATTLE – At its September meeting Monday, the Seattle Human Rights Commission voted unanimously to urge the US House of Representatives to pass the Senate's comprehensive Violence Against Women Act, VAWA. The Commission recognizes the critical provisions in the Senate version of the bill will enhance protections for American Indian women.

One in Three Native Women will be Raped

The rights to human safety and freedom from discrimination are fundamental human rights. The Commission firmly believes that these rights extend to all communities, no matter whether they are in Yakama, Capitol Hill, or the Colville Reservation.

The statistics are devastating: One in three Native women will be raped in their lifetimes and two in five are victims of domestic violence.

For 18 years, the Violence Against Women Act has effectively addressed and increased prevention of domestic and sexual violence crimes against women. Because of the Violence Against Women Act, victims feel more comfortable reporting incidents of domestic violence, crime rates have decreased, laws against domestic violence have been strengthened, and communities across the country are safer and more secure.

The Commission calls upon the Washington Congressional delegation to urge House leaders to bring the Senate version of the Violence Against Women Act to a floor vote or immediately begin a House-Senate conference to reconcile the House and Senate versions.

posted September 19, 2012 8:20 am edt