Even with the current protections granted in the VAWA, victims of domestic violence in Alaska are struggling to obtain the resources, care and protection they are entitled to. This article talks about the expansions Alaskan residents would like to see in the potential renewal of the VAWA, specifically expanded jurisdictions to tribal courts to guarantee protections for members of tribal communities, which was denied in the 2013 renewal. For too long now, members of underrepresented communities like these tribal communities in Alaska have been ignored by our representatives because they are not politically meaningful. That stops today. No American is better than another American. We should all be equally acknowledged under the law, and that principle should extend under the VAWA.

It is critical that the VAWA is not only renewed, but built upon. Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee (D-TX) has not only vowed to renew the VAWA, but has expanded upon it so that Native Americans, immigrants, and underrepresented groups are more fully represented in the terms of the legislation. Under the potential 2018 renewal, Jackson Lee will ensure that:

1. The rights of tribes to prosecute crimes will be expanded, to also include stalking, sex trafficking and sexual violence crimes. The law also generally gives more power to tribes to prosecute non-Indians who are currently walking away free after committing these types of crimes.

2. The federal government would be required to provide yearly reports that detail missing and murdered indigenous women and girls. The Bureau of Indian Affairs and Indian Health Service will also be given more funding and support to investigate these types of cases.

3. Tribes will be connected to federal crime databases, so that they are more easily connected to additional funding and other resources if a victim of a crime.

There is also guaranteed funding for social services projects; such as helping victims find housing. This will make the decision to leave much easier. Jackson Lee also makes an effort to close loopholes that make it too simple for abusers to gain access to a firearm.

Michelle Demmert, Chief Justice for the Tlingit and Haida tribes and a legal consultant at the Alaska Native Women's Resource Center, is a leading advocate for abuse victims residing in tribal communities. She has demanded that Native Americans are fully protected under the 2018 VAWA renewal, and they no longer be ignored under the law.

Reach out to Demmert and tell her why it is critical we have a VAWA in 2018 that is representative of all. Write her a letter, or call her office. These stories will make a difference. 

406.477.3896
515 Lame Deer Ave. | PO Box 99 (mailing)
Lame Deer, MT 59043

Right now, 176 Democrats have signed on and supported Rep. Sheila Lee (D-TX) legislation to fully renew the VAWA, and extend its benefits to close loopholes and extend funding to social services. 0 Republicans have vowed to do the same. Check out this link to see if your representative has vowed to stand with victims this December.

Call 202-224-3121 to be connected to the Capitol Switchboard, and transferred to your local senator's office to tell them the VAWA must be renewed in its full capacity this December.

If you need to look up who your representatives are, you can do so here.