June 2018
A Woman of Influence
Our Executive Director at the NAAV, Dawn Stover, was recently named one of Cleveland County Lifestyle’s 2018 Women of Influence. These women of influence were chosen for their positive impacts on their community and recognized for their achievements in each of their respective fields.

From the article in the Cleveland County Lifestyle Magazine:

"Stover—a citizen of the Cherokee Nation—works passionately to ignite positive changes in Indian Country. During her time with NAAV and through service on tribal, local, state and regional working groups, she has increased awareness of and enhance the response to crimes of domestic and sexual violence, stalking and sex trafficking committed against American Indian women."

"Meditating upon the strength and resilience of my ancestors motivates me to do more and work harder to address violence against American Indian women." - Dawn Stover

You can read Dawn's story, and the stories of the other Women of Influence by clicking here .
News for Natives
Introducing two new healing groups from our tribal programs:
Ponca Tribe of Oklahoma Domestic Violence Program
Wednesdays; 6 pm-7:15 pm
400 E Central Ave
Ponca City, 74601

This support group, "Talking Circle", is designed to provide a holistic healing environment for those who have experienced sexual assault. The Traditional Healing Coordinator will provide participants the opportunity to share and receive a greater sense of control and empowerment. This Talking Circle is open to women who are victims / survivors of Sexual Abuse or Domestic Violence. Snacks will be provided. Click here to join the Facebook group to receive updates .
Osage Nation Family Violence Prevention Program
Wednesdays; 5 pm- 6 pm
126 E 6th St.
Pawhuska, 74056

This new group provides a safe and confidential setting for victims/survivors of sexual assault to process, cope, and heal. This is not the only healing group, but it is the newest to be added to the list. To see all the support groups offered by the Osage Nation Family Violence Prevention Program, please visit their website here .
Free Training
Citizen Potawatomi Nation Family Violence Program House of Hope
July 19; 8am &1 pm
40960 Hardesty Road
Shawnee 74801

This free training is hosted by the CPN House of Hope and led by Detective Sergeant Ray Goins. Please contact Darian Towner at (405)878-4673 or by email at  darian.towner@potawatomi.org  to register.
NAAV interview with News 9
The NAAV was recently able to provide information to News 9's segment titled "United Voice: Minority Women More Likely To Experience Domestic Violence". Click to watch the video.
Victim's Rights
Promoting victim empowerment is an important part of advocacy, and may often be the beginning of the healing process for the victim. A part of that empowerment is having an advocate available to support victims at the court hearings, believe their story and educate them throughout the court processes including both civil and criminal cases.

Advocating through the criminal justice system can become intimidating and frustrating for victims of crime. This article will focus on two of the victim’s rights often encountered in criminal cases- plea negotiations and victim impact statements.

This article can be read by tribal advocates on our website by clicking here, or can be downloaded by clicking the button below.
June is L G B T Q 2 Pride Month
Read our blog to see how o ppression can lead to a disproportionate amount of domestic or sexual violence against against Two-Spirit/Native LGBTQ people. There also some helpful tips on how to be a good ally for this underrepresented community.
Oklahoma Tribal Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Programs: Advocate Appreciation Dinner

The NAAV proposes to invite tribal advocates to an evening event that will include a meal, appreciation gifts and entertainment. 

Advocates are every day heroes that put the importance of a violence free future into perspective. They are able to provide their clients with a positive impact in one of the most challenging times of their life.

We need your help to make this happen!

Our grant funding does not cover costs associated with food, entertainment or gifts. With any donations received, the NAAV will be able to provide a complete dinner, purchase appreciation gifts, and schedule entertainment during the dinner. This event will show the tribal advocates they are not alone while working difficult cases and provide them with a night of relaxation and support recognizing all the unique and amazing work they are providing for the Native American communities.
Thank you so much for reading this month's newsletter! The information contained here will continue to be available on our website.
This project was supported by Grant No. 2016-IW- AX-0002 awarded by the Office on Violence Against Women, U.S. Department of Justice. The opinions, findings, conclusions and recommendations expressed in this publication/program/exhibition are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Department of Justice, Office on Violence Against Women.