"Non-Indians who sexually assault or abuse Native Americans would be held more accountable, under new legislation being proposed by federal officials.

Victims advocates hope it can curb what they consider an epidemic in “Indian Country.”

In a conference call with reporters, White House and U.S. Department of Justice officials outlined how their legislation would better enable tribal courts and police to arrest and prosecute non-Indians, and give tribal courts full jurisdiction to issue and enforce protection orders.

Kim TeeHee, White House Senior Policy Advisor for Native American Affairs, says these measures will go a long way to helping reduce violence.

“Three out of five Native American women are assaulted by their spouses or intimate partners,” says TeeHee. “One-third of all American Indian women will be raped during their lifetimes. And because Indian tribes lack criminal jurisdiction over non-Indians -- absent express Congressional authorization -- it makes it especially challenging, particularly when you consider that more than 50-percent of Native American women have non-Indian husbands.”"

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Proposal would give tribes enhanced prosecution, sentencing of abusers (Wisconsin Public Radio 7/25)

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