The past month has been a big month for the reauthorization of the Violence Against Women Act (S. 1925) as Tribal Nations and allies continue to advocate to preserve the tribal provisions within the bill. While the legislation has gained many strong and invaluable supporters, misinterpretations of the bill’s key tribal provisions have drawn opponents.

The facts clearly illustrate the urgent and serious need for this legislation: 34% of American Indian and Alaska Native women will be raped in their lifetimes; 39% will be subjected to domestic violence in their lifetimes; and on some reservations, Native women are murdered at more than ten times the national average.

The Tribal Provisions

The U.S. Constitution and hundreds of treaties, federal laws, and court cases acknowledge that Indian tribes are sovereign governments. Despite this fact, Indian tribes are the only government in America without jurisdiction to combat certain types of domestic violence in their communities. S.1925, the Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act, addresses this jurisdictional gap with local solutions that will deliver long-overdue justice to Native women and safety to tribal communities.

• Overview of the Key Tribal Provisions
• Talking points on the key tribal provisions that deal with criminal jurisdiction

Myths and Facts of VAWA’s tribal provisions

It is crucial that all advocates understand and fully support the important provisions in VAWA. Some media outletsand opponents have purported misperceptions regarding the provisions. These myths are clearly dispelled and explained here. Pass this information on and help educate about the myths and facts of VAWA’s provisions.

You can Take Action to Protect the Tribal Provisions and Protect Native Women

As of April 23, S. 1925 has been filed as a "motion to proceed" in the Senate and is likely to be debated on the Senate floor this week. There will likely be an alternative bill offered as a substitute, and perhaps other harmful amendments, so we want to make sure that S. 1925-the bill with key provisions that will enhance tribal sovereignty and protect Native victims-if the bill that passes.

Find out how YOU can support this important legislation today, and advocate for the safety of all Native women.