One in three Native American women has been raped or has experienced an attempted rape — more than twice the national average — according to the Justice Department. Because the local and federal U.S. government have no jurisdiction on Indian reservations, many of these crimes are left in the hands of tribal police officers and Indian health workers who are often ill-equipped to deal with these sorts of crises. Rapes are rarely tried and convicted by local tribal prosecutors, which means that the small number of women who do report their rapes almost never see their abusers brought to justice.
Last week, the Justice Department announced that it would set up a pilot program of special response teams on reservations in order to combat these crimes. Over a period of six months, the program will launch on six Montana reservations where rates of rape are sky-high. The teams, comprised of federally appointed advisers and tribal leaders, are an effort to restore confidence in the justice system so more women feel comfortable coming forward after they've been attacked.
-
Meghan Markle Shared a Poignant Message About Working Moms as She Calls for More Childcare Support
Archewell is supporting the "National Business Coalition for Child Care."
By Iris Goldsztajn
-
Kanye West Told Kim Kardashian She Was Dressed Like Marge Simpson and Her Career Was Over After the WSJ Innovator Awards
This is awful.
By Iris Goldsztajn
-
Kate Middleton Just Revealed Prince Louis' Favorite Superhero
A fine choice.
By Iris Goldsztajn
-
30 Ways Women Still Aren't Equal to Men
If anyone tries to tell you otherwise, show them these statistics.
By Megan Friedman
-
EMILY's List President Laphonza Butler Has Big Plans for the Organization
Under Butler's leadership, the largest resource for women in politics aims to expand Black political power and become more accessible for candidates across the nation.
By Rachel Epstein
-
Want to Fight for Abortion Rights in Texas? Raise Your Voice to State Legislators
Emily Cain, executive director of EMILY's List and and former Minority Leader in Maine, says that to stop the assault on reproductive rights, we need to start demanding more from our state legislatures.
By Emily Cain
-
Your Abortion Questions, Answered
Here, MC debunks common abortion myths you may be increasingly hearing since Texas' near-total abortion ban went into effect.
By Rachel Epstein
-
The Future of Afghan Women and Girls Depends on What We Do Next
Between the U.S. occupation and the Taliban, supporting resettlement for Afghan women and vulnerable individuals is long overdue.
By Rona Akbari
-
How to Help Afghanistan Refugees and Those Who Need Aid
With the situation rapidly evolving, organizations are desperate for help.
By Katherine J Igoe
-
It’s Time to Give Domestic Workers the Protections They Deserve
The National Domestic Workers Bill of Rights, reintroduced today, would establish a new set of standards for the people who work in our homes and take a vital step towards racial and gender equity.
By Ai-jen Poo
-
The Biden Administration Announced It Will Remove the Hyde Amendment
The pledge was just one of many gender equity commitments made by the administration, including the creation of the first U.S. National Action Plan on Gender-Based Violence.
By Megan DiTrolio