Sen. Tom Udall: VAWA ‘crucial’ for Native American women

Source: Raw Story

Sen. Tom Udall: VAWA ‘crucial’ for Native American women
By Eric W. Dolan
Wednesday, April 25, 2012 17:18 EDT

Sen. Tom Udall (D-NV) on Wednesday called on Congress to reauthorize the Violence Against Women Act, claiming new provisions in the bill were “crucial” to protect Native American women from domestic abuse.

The provision would allow tribal courts to prosecute non-Native American individuals for domestic violence crimes committed on tribal land.

The VAWA, originally passed in 1994 and reauthorized twice since, provides funding to local communities to improve their response to domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault and stalking. The federal grants from the law support police training, victim services, transitional housing, and legal assistance.

“Since its passage in 1994, domestic violence has decreased by over 50 percent,” he said on the Senate floor. “And the victims of these crimes have been more willing to come forward. Knowing they are not alone. Knowing they will get the support they need. Knowing that crimes against women will not be tolerated.”

Read more: http://www.rawstory.com/rs/2012/04/25/sen-tom-udall-vawa-crucial-for-native-american-women/