Native women in Montana met in Helena this week for the Honoring Native Women by Stopping the Violence Conference.

The two-day meeting is part of the state's effort to combat violence against Native women. The Montana Legislature adopted a resolution that calls for state agencies to collaborate with federal and tribal entities to respond to domestic and sexual violence in Indian Country.

Participants at the conference shared their struggles and successes. They said talking about violence is the first step in the process.

"There's hurt, there's shame, there's anger," said Evelyn Hernandez of the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes, The Missoulian reported. We battered women, we need to be treated gently. They need that love. They need a lot of patience. Please don't give up on them. When you give up, that might be the death of that woman."

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American Indian women detail abuse - Helena conference works to end domestic violence (The Missoulian 6/25)