Domestic Violence in Indian Country

Tribal nations have long advocated for amending the Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) to allow Tribes to access VOCA funding on a direct government to government basis. 

In November, National Native American Heritage Month raises awareness about our history, our present-day struggles and our hope for the future 

In recognition of Native American leadership in the field of domestic and sexual violence, StrongHearts Native Helpline presents a series of blogs featuring individuals making a difference in [...]

StrongHearts Native Helpline is the recipient of a 2020 National Indian Health Board’s (NIHB) “Heroes in Health National Impact Award.” The award recognizes national leadership efforts by Native [...]

(LAME DEER, Mont., October 1, 2020)—Today marks the first day of Domestic Violence Awareness Month, which offers a critical opportunity to continue to shed light on the issue of domestic [...]

In October, Domestic Violence Awareness sheds light on victim-survivors and calls for an end to violence inflicted on Indigenous peoples. Every October during Domestic Violence Awareness Month [...]

Native American Elders A Native American is usually considered an elder when they are above the age of 60 to 65, although it varies from tribe to tribe.

Although StrongHearts Native Helpline does not have an established volunteer program at this time, we recommend the following:

The parallels that can be drawn between colonialism and domestic violence can be seen through their definitions and through a review of Native American history. Having lived through genocide and [...]

When StrongHearts Native Helpline was formed, the organization underwent a process to choose a Native American logo that could represent the virtues of strength, resilience, empathy and [...]

Supreme Court of the Land Legal experts are calling McGirt v. Oklahoma (McGirt) the most significant Federal Indian Law case of the century. On July 9, the Supreme Court’s McGirt decision upheld [...]

There are a lot of commonly held beliefs about domestic violence that can harm victims and keep people from seeking help. StrongHearts Native Helpline unravels some of the myths surrounding [...]

Answering the call to action, StrongHearts Native Helpline has become a trusted resource for Native Americans impacted by domestic violence. In just over three years, hours of operation have been [...]

*WARNING: This blog includes graphic content that some readers may find distressing. April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month. There is a broad spectrum of studies and statistics that attempt to [...]

On March 6, 2020, StrongHearts Native Helpline (SHNH) marked its third year of operation by providing a safe, anonymous and confidential helpline for American Indians and Alaska Natives affected [...]

*WARNING: This blog includes graphic content that some readers may find distressing. How We Met It was sophomore year of high school when I first noticed him and I knew he was different.  He was [...]

Within three years of launching its collaborative project, the National Indigenous Women’s Resource Center (NIWRC) announced the StrongHearts Native Helpline (StrongHearts) is receiving two [...]

The StrongHearts Native Helpline (1-844-7NATIVE) – a culturally-appropriate domestic violence and dating violence helpline created by and for Native Americans – joins in the celebration of [...]

Every October, advocates and communities from across Indian country and the United States rally together in honor of survivors of domestic violence and support abuse prevention as part of [...]

No one expects to find themselves in an abusive relationship. Most relationships begin in a good way with kind words and compliments, but they can turn harmful and emotionally abusive at any time.

Anyone can find themselves in an abusive relationship. Contrary to a common misperception, women are not the only ones who can experience domestic violence: American Indian and Alaska Native men [...]

Sexual violence can be difficult to talk about. Some people feel uncomfortable when the subject comes up, which – intentionally or not – sends a message to survivors of sexual abuse and sexual [...]

On its second year anniversary, the StrongHearts Native Helpline (1-844-7NATIVE) is announcing the expansion of its hours of operation, which are now 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. CST, seven days a week, in [...]

“Did you swipe right?” “Are you two hanging out?” “Hooking up?” The road to romance is full of swipes, texts, and turns. Navigating the dating world can be challenging especially for those [...]

The StrongHearts Native Helpline, a partnered project of the National Domestic Violence Hotline and the National Indigenous Women’s Resource Center, is moving from Austin, Texas, to its permanent [...]

In time for Domestic Violence Awareness Month, the StrongHearts Native Helpline (1-844-7NATIVE) announced 1,000 callers have now reached out to the helpline for safe, confidential support and [...]

As Native people, we find strength in our traditions — the customs we share with our families, clans and communities.

Abuse can be more than broken bones and black eyes. What about the harmful behaviors that aren’t always talked about?

Domestic violence and sexual violence do not discriminate.

Supporting a friend, family member or loved one who has experienced rape or sexual assault can be incredibly challenging.

The criminal justice process is intended to protect, right the wrongs, and deter perpetrators from wrongdoing. But, all too often, our legal systems fail to address domestic violence or dating [...]

“Why don’t you just leave?” “Why do you put up with it?” “Why do you keep going back?” When it comes to domestic violence, many people focus on why the victim would willingly stay in an abusive [...]

In Indigenous communities, the Seventh Generation (meaning our children and our children’s children) is more than just an idea and protecting our children is a sacred duty.

Calling into a domestic violence helpline can be very intimidating and overwhelming, especially if you are taking that courageous first step to reach out for help.

Being an advocate for the first national domestic violence helpline specifically for Native Americans is such an honor and blessing.

Intimate partner violence, in all forms, is destructive at its heart. Most people can identify the more common forms of abuse, which include physical, emotional, sexual and financial. One of the [...]

I was 13 years old when my stepfather targeted me. My two younger sisters, my mom, myself and my stepfather were living in Massachusetts, and one day my stepfather had me pinned in a corner.

“What does MMIW stand for?” There’s a growing movement in Indian Country to raise awareness of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women (MMIW).

Exploring a new relationship is an exciting time, where it might seem like every moment you are learning something new about your partner’s culture, family and beliefs. While you and your partner [...]

It can be hard to talk about domestic violence and dating violence in Indian Country. Many people feel uncomfortable when the subject comes up or might not know what to do, especially if a friend [...]