Domestic Violence in Indian Country

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 [...]