ALBUQUERQUE, NM - SEPTEMBER 7, 2018 - With 83 percent of Native American children sexually abused or assaulted by a family member in New Mexico, the Coalition to Stop Violence Against Native Women (CSVANW) is increasing its anti-child sexual abuse support to tribes to help create violence-free and safer communities for children.
CSVANW has recently received a total of $161,000 in new grants from several local, regional and national organizations to help create anti-child sexual abuse initiatives, and dating violence prevention and intervention programs for Native youth. This funding will also help the Coalition develop sexual harassment in the workplace policies, and strengthen its advocacy, education and outreach to the 24 tribal communities across the region.
"This funding provides the critical investment that we need to start addressing the epidemic of child sexual abuse that we're seeing across our communities and within our families," CSVANW Executive Director Deleana OtherBull said. She added the funding will allow CSVANW to hire a Child Sexual Abuse (CSA) Project Coordinator that will provide support, education and training to New Mexico's child advocacy centers that support children who have experienced child sexual abuse.
The Coalition received funding from seven entities that include:
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New Mexico Health Equity Partnership's Men and Boys of Color
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NewMexicoWomen.org Healing and Self-Care
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Notah Begay III Foundation Native Youth on the Movement
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State of New Mexico Sexual Assault Services
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State of New Mexico STOP VAWA
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Time's Up Legal Defense Sub-Contract
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Verizon Wireless HopeLine
"These grants will support the efforts of CSVANW's mission to stop violence against Native women and children by advocating for social change in Native communities," OtherBull said. "We are very honored to receive these grants from these prestigious organizations and agencies - an investment in the Coalition is an investment in our tribal communities in the region."
One of grants from the NB3 Foundation will be used to help increase health and wellness for participants in the Coalition's annual Native Youth Summit. "One of the highlights of the NB3 Foundation's grantmaking program is working directly with community partners who are passionate about making positive health and wellness changes within their tribes and communities. We look forward to sharing and collaborating with the new grantees," said Olivia Roanhorse, NB3 Foundation Vice President of Programs.
"We are thrilled to support organizations that are helping the most vulnerable workers fight back against sexual harassment,"
said Fatima Goss Graves, co-founder of the TIME'S UP Legal Defense Fund and President and CEO of the National Women's Law Center. This funding will help the Coalition gain insights into how to increase community-based solutions to sexual harassment and violence.
"These grants will help shape our priorities and approach by including the voices of our communities, our women and children," OtherBull said. "We are working to ensure that the needs, experiences and voices of those most impacted are brought to the table in the implementation process."
