"The Tribal Law and Order Act that was signed into law in July has a section that deals specifically with domestic violence and sexual assault. Indian women are saying it could be a huge step in fighting sexual assault against Indian women.

Title XI of the law deals specifically with domestic violence and sexual assault enforcement and prevention. In addition to improving coordination surrounding these types of crimes, the law would also improve training and protocols for tribal law officials as well as for Indian Health Service facilities.

According to Bonnie Clairmont, from the Tribal Law and Policy Institute (TLPI), part of what set the bill in motion was the Maze of Injustice report, published by Amnesty International in 2007. Amnesty International approached numerous Native American organizations for research for the study, including the TLPI.

"I like to form alliances with people that are willing to join forces with us," Clairmont said. "That's why we took on this partnership with Amnesty... it came up at the right time."

The report exposes problems that Native women have experienced when reporting domestic violence and sexual assault crimes. Issues such as slow investigations, lost evidence, and lack of protocol in handling evidence both by law enforcement and Indian Health Services were revealed in the report."

Get the Story:
Sheila Regan: Tribal Law And Order Act’s XI addresses Indian women sexual assault issues (The Twin Cities Daily Planet 10/11)

Indian Arts and Crafts Amendments Act:
H.R.725

Tribal Law and Order Act:
S.797 | H.R.1924

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