Violence against women was discussed at the United Tribes Tribal Leaders Summit in Bismarck, North Dakota, on Wednesday.

Cecilia Fire Thunder, the former president of the Oglala Sioux Tribe of South Dakota, said women are revered in Lakota teachings. She cited traditional stories in which domestic violence is punished.

"It is our first teaching of respecting women and sexual teaching," Fire Thunder said, The Bismarck Tribune reported.

Government reports show that American Indian and Alaska Native women are more likely to be the victims of domestic violence than any other racial or ethnic group. One in three Native women is like to be raped or sexually assaulted in her lifetime.

The summit concludes today.

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Summit looks at abuse of women (The Bismarck Tribune 9/4)