Tribal Colleges (TC) are culturally unique to many tribal communities because it affords first generation students the opportunity to begin their educational journey close to home before they transfer to a mainstream university. Unfortunately, like other campuses, it can also be a place where sexual violence occurs. So what is CSVANW doing to bringing awareness to campus safety for our Native students? We are providing educational presentations, awareness and outreach to our Tribal Colleges in our service area!

We have 4 tribal colleges in our region: the Institute of American Indian Arts, Navajo Technical University, Southwestern Indian Polytechnic Institute and Dine College. 

 

According to the Campus Sexual Assault Study, one in five women has been sexually assaulted while in college. While this study is a national study, the statistic for Native women on Tribal College campuses are higher. CSVANW understands the importance in being involved and engaged with our Tribal Colleges.  

Our very own CSVANW Sexual Assault Coordinator, Devona Bradford, has worked compassionately with college students, campus advocates, security personnel, teachers and the TC presidents, in providing technical assistance to address the high rates of campus sexual assaults. Within the past year, Devona has develop a partnership with theTribal Colleges and currently sits on the University of new Mexico's S.M.A.R.T. team. Devona believes in building meaningful relationship with Tribal Colleges in order to provide life saving resources and support for the students to pursue their studies in a safe environment.

Check out the National Network to End Domestic Violence's website for more information about School Safety tips!