House boosts funding for safety of Native women

The House passed H.R.3093, the 2008 Commerce-Justice-Science appropriations bill, which increases funding for the safety of Native women.

The funding includes the following:
* $1 million for the National Tribal Order of Protection and Sex Offender Registry;
* $1 million for national baseline study to examine violence against Indian women including domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, stalking, and murder. The study will evaluate the effectiveness of Federal, State, Tribal and local responses to such crimes.
* $6 million for services for children exposed to domestic violence and sexual assault including services provided by shelters, rape crisis centers, and children’s organizations. This program contains a 10% tribal set-aside.
* $6 million for direct services for youth and teen victims of domestic violence and sexual violence. This program contains a 10% tribal set-aside.

Other budget items include $5 million for the Court Improvement Program, some of which will be available to tribal courts.

The bill goes to the Senate for consideration. President Bush has said he will veto it [Statement of Administration Policy].

Get the Story:
House votes to fund initiatives against abuse of indigenous women (AP 7/26)

Amnesty International Report:
Full Report | Press Release

Online Discussion:
Violence against Native American and Alaska Native Women (April 24, 2007)

Relevant Links:
Join Voices with Native American and Alaska Native Women and Take Action to Stop the Violence - http://www.amnestyusa.org/maze

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