CSVANW October 2017 Newsletter

October
2017 Newslette r

OCTOBER IS DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AWARENESS MONTH! #DVAM

From CSVANW executive director, Deleana OtherBull

My three year old son recently went through his traditional naming ceremony back home. It was a beautifully proud and emotional moment for me as his mom. It gave me the opportunity to pause and reflect on these beginnings for us. I reflected on the things I want him to learn- the lessons I want him to be taught- and the positive life he will know.

We picked medicine and gave offerings. And as his name was being told to all four directions, I witnessed him give honor to our ancestors through dancing.

Breaking the cycles of violence is happening all around us.

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Domestic and intimate partner violence (IPV) is a substantial public health concern within our tribal communities that can have overwhelming and lasting effects on our families and children. We know the numbers- the statistics- that nearly 84% of our Native women experience violence, with more than half being domestic violence related. And in 66% of domestic violence cases, our Native children are present.

We know that domestic violence shakes our families to their core, often leaving our survivors feeling shame, fear and guilt. So for #DVAM, across our region, many of our tribal programs, service providers and partners are gearing up and holding uplifting and positive events to provide community-wide healing and awareness. They are holding wellness fairs and community runs. They are coming together in ceremony and sharing hope, food, love and resilience. They are creating spaces for our youth to rise and creating space where we can empower the strength of our families and communities to break the cycle of violence.

Our communities are picking medicine right now. They are preparing food and giving prayers. They are dancing for the rain and honoring the change in seasons. They are harvesting food and grinding corn. They are feeding families and sharing laughter. October is a beautiful month for our communities to come together and honor the resilience of our survivors of domestic violence.

Coalition family and friends, I hope that you will join us, and many of our CSVANW members, for our annual #IWillRunForHer community 5k and 1k kids run on October 14, 2017 in Albuquerque. Running is healing and movement is medicine.

I also invite you to join us October 28, 2017 to honor those who have made significant contributions in the movement to end violence against Native women and children.

Together, we are the movement. This movement is ceremony.

RUN FOR HER

By David Adams

Raising awareness for crimes against women in our communities is arguably one of the most powerful ways we can help reduce the disproportionate rates of violence.

I ran last year because my daughter should never have to ask why women and children are subjected to such a high risk of being hurt, emotionally or physically.

She should never have to endure cruel and abusive behavior, because its common, and therefore acceptable.

She should never have to sit in a room with her cousins/sisters and wonder which one of them will be a statistic.

Since the passing of the Violence Against Women's Act in 1994 most of our country has marveled at the 60% reduction in crimes against women. Unfortunately, tribal communities have not been able to celebrate the same feat. Just getting cases reported, investigated, and prosecuted was a priority, and we have made leaps in bounds in that effort. However, we can all agree we are not going to prosecute our way out these issues, we have to be proactive, and work towards educating our fellow community members, professionals, and tribal leaders as to how a joint effort is necessary to be successful at reducing crime against women and children. Read More.

CSVANW PRESENTATION REQUESTS AND TRAVEL SCHOLARSHIP UPDATE

CSVANW is excited to announce that we have updated our website to better assist our members when making travel requests and presentation requests. We have streamlined the request process to reflect a quicker and more convenient experience for you!

All awards and approvals are based on available grant and travel funds. Priority approval is granted to CSVANW Members. If you are interested in becoming a member of the Coalition to Stop Violence Against Native Women please email our Membership and Outreach coordinator, Angel Charley, at acharley@csvanw.org.

The forms can be downloaded here.

CSVANW NOW ACCEPTING NOMINATIONS FOR 2ND ANNUAL AWARDS GALA AND AUCTION RECEPTION

Help us spotlight and honor the invaluable contributions of our advocates, service providers, law enforcement and all those who have made significant contributions in the movement to end violence against Native women and children. Let us know who you would like to nominate! Nominate someone today by clicking the link below!

NOMINATION FORM

NEW MEXICO HUMAN TRAFFICKING TRIBAL TASKFORCE MEETING

ALBUQUERQUE, NM

CSVANW's Program Coordinator for Sex Trafficking, Cheyenne Antonio, has taken a major lead in the efforts of the Tribal Taskforce by bringing together other local non-profits, community health resources, national resource centers, several tribal social services as well as invested individuals who hold expertise in the areas of victim services and advocacy.

The New Mexico Human Trafficking Tribal Task Force was was established to support and encourage partnership among tribal governments, tribal enterprises, tribal community programs and tribal non-profits to establish a strategic plan of action that will foster an inclusive response to eradicate (sexual slavery) human trafficking of Native Americans throughout the state.

CSVANW ON PBS' NEW MEXICO IN FOCUS

ALBUQUERQUE, NM

"Statistics prove American Indian and Alaska Native women face a higher risk of violence and sexual abuse. And, experts say, it can be hard to even get victims to talk about the domestic abuse they've suffered. Correspondent Antonia Gonzales talks with local advocates who are dedicated to helping young people overcome the stigma of domestic abuse and learn about healthy relationships. The Coalition to STOP Violence Against Native Women uses culture and social media to support communities while working with tribal leaders, local, state and federal officials to not only advocate for families, but change the conversation about violence."

Watch the full episode here!

2017 YOUTH SUMMIT AT

ELDOARDO

SANTA FE, NM

On September 23, pur Native Youth Coordinator, Keioshiah Peter, attended the 2017 Youth Summit organized by the Kewa Family Wellness Center Prevention Program and the Kewa TRUTH Youth Council.

Participants were able to learn about the traditional exchange and prayer for water in Northern New Mexico.

POSITIVE LINKS CONFERENCE

ALBUQUERQUE, NM

Our Membership and Outreach Coordinator, Angel Charley, was at this year's Positive Link Conference held at the National Hispanic Cultural Center in Albuquerque, NM.

This biannual conference on the Link between Animal Abuse and Human Violence offers information and training on collaborative ways to identify, prevent, and stop abuse, investigate cases, and provide proper treatment for abusers.

Click here to learn more!

CSVANW HOSTS NNEDV FOR COMMUNITY CONVERSATIONS SERIES

ALBUQUERQUE, NM

CSVANW hosted the National Network to End Domestic Violence (NNEDV) at the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center to kickoff our new series #CommunityConversations.

This was a great opportunity for our tribal domestic violence programs to highlight and share their challenges and successes within this work, and provide input on how the National Network can better support our programs.

We want to thank all of our tribal and state partners who came to the table today to share their voices.

STRENGTHENING OUR IMPACT THROUGH TEAM BUILDING

LOS ALAMOS, NM

CSVANW staff was at it again this month- team building! We partnered once again with the Santa Fe Mountain Center for some more intense physical team building exercises.

Support building skills, a positive reinforcement culture and overall encouragement from within our own staff members brought us back to rock climbing for our September team building activity. This time around we hiked down to our climbing location- which made for some great sights and a great workout.

We know that in the movement to end violence, we must first start with ourselves. Strengthening ours team and building trust from within is our challenge. This strength is essential to sustain our team to continue our pursuit of violence free communities.

Click here to learn more!