Indianz.Com > News > Press Release: Grant awarded for National Indigenous Domestic Violence Hotline
HHS Awards $15 Million to Fund First-Ever Standalone National Indigenous Domestic Violence Hotline
Wednesday, September 24, 2025
Indianz.Com

The following is the text of a September 24, 2025, press release from the Administration for Children and Families, an agency of the Department of Health and Human Services.

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), through the Administration for Children and Families (ACF), today announced a projected $15 million, five-year grant to fund a National Indigenous Domestic Violence Hotline (NIDVH). Authorized by the Family Violence Prevention and Services Act (FVPSA), the NIDVH will be operated by StrongHearts Native Helpline, which aims to help Native Americans impacted by domestic and sexual violence by bringing together safety, sovereignty and support. The investment in the first standalone NIDVH represents HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s commitment to advancing Tribal-led solutions and addressing domestic violence in Indigenous communities.

“By creating the first National Indigenous Domestic Violence Hotline, the Trump Administration is responding to decades of Tribal leaders’ advocacy for dedicated American Indian and Alaska Native domestic violence services,” said ACF Acting Assistant Secretary Andrew Gradison. “This investment ensures that Native survivors — many of whom live in rural or under-resourced areas — have access to 24/7 lifesaving support.”

Research shows (PDF) that more than four out of five American Indian and Alaska Native women experience violence in their lifetimes, with rates of domestic and sexual violence disproportionately higher than among non-Native women. The National Indigenous Domestic Violence Hotline, 1-844-762-8483, will operate 24/7, offering confidential, toll-free support via call, text, and online chat. Staffed by trained advocates with expertise in Tribal cultures, sovereignty, and jurisdictional complexities. The hotline will also:

  • Maintain a comprehensive, up-to-date database of tribal and non-tribal service providers.
  • Ensure accessibility for individuals with disabilities, limited English proficiency, and hearing impairments.
  • Collaborate with other national hotlines and tribal, state, and local partners.
  • Conduct public awareness campaigns across Indian Country and the United States.

In addition to providing direct support to survivors, the NIDVH will serve as a critical component of the FVPSA Training and Technical Assistance Resource Network (the Network). Through the Network, the NIDVH will integrate the experiences of Native American communities impacted by domestic violence into nationwide efforts to expand the capacity of domestic violence programs, inform best practices, and strengthen services across both tribal and non-tribal systems.

The grant provides up to $2,998,125 annually over a five-year project period. For more information on the Office of Family Violence Prevention and Services: https://acf.gov/ofvps

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