SANTA FE—A woman is beaten every nine seconds in this country, and on any given day, more than three women are killed by their husbands or boyfriends. Violence against women, which includes rape, sexual assault, domestic violence, and stalking, has been brought to the forefront primarily by women’s groups. Statistics show it is nothing to be sniffed at, especially in Native communities.

Native American women are twice as likely to be a victim of violence as Caucasian women, according to the Esperanza Shelter for Battered Families website. Statistically speaking, out of 100 female victims, 34 are likely to be Native in comparison to 17 white women and 18 black women.

When asked about her own personal victimization, a Native woman who chooses to maintain her anonymity replied, “At first you are shocked that you are involved in this kind of relationship. It kind of sneaks up on you. And then you let it go and think it will get better. Then, maybe, you get a little used to it as part of your spirit dies with each harsh word and each hit.

”But somewhere inside of you, you have to remember who you are and where you came from. Then you can focus on where you are going to get out of that pattern that cycle.”

This woman never reported her assault.

Fear of Reprisal Silences Native Women

Statistics show that this is a typical response of Native women who are involved in violent relationships because of fear of reprisal from their abusers; fewer then five percent report their assailants to law enforcement.

According to a source at a local domestic violence shelter, Native American women typically tend to have low self-esteem and try to be pleasers to their abusive partners. They can be poverty-stricken or in some way financially burdened so as to not want to make waves because they are dependent on their abuser. They may be under the pretense that somehow their actions are keeping their family unit intact.

The first step in getting out of a violent relationship is up to the woman herself. She must take the initial step of reporting the violence and want to get help. After that, usually a protective order is issued to eliminate any further contact between the victim and the abuser. There are shelters available for victims to go to in order to receive protection as well as support.

“More education is needed for victims to become aware that they are involved in a violent relationships,” said Diane Reyna of the Learning Support Center at IAIA.

The Pattern of Abuse

According to the U.S. Department of Justice, domestic violence is an escalating pattern of abuse in which one partner in an intimate relationship intends to control the relationship through the use of fear, threats, intimidation, coercion and violence.

Based on her counseling experience, Jane Oliver, Native Circle Counseling Coordinator at IAIA, said “Most domestic violence is based on substance abuse.”

Some proposed New Mexico legislation that affects domestic violence victims are on the floor now, including:

House Bill 231 - Sponsored by Mimi Stewart - which calls for increasing penalties for battery against a household member. This bill also makes treatment mandatory for domestic violence offenders and is included in Governor Bill Richardson’s crime package. The bill passed the house on March 2 and is now in the Senate.

House Bill 441 - Sponsored by Danice Picraux – requires all medical personnel to document domestic abuse.

Senate Bill 325 - Sponsored by Linda M. Lopez and House Bill 420 sponsored by Danice Picraux - Both would provide $2,000,000 in aid to domestic violence shelters and child services.

You can reach your Senator or Representative at www.legis.state.nm.us or by calling 505-986-4300.

RELATED LINKS:
http://www.ojp.usdoj.gov/vawo/
http://www.vaw.umn.edu/library/sexassault/
http://www.ojp.usdoj.gov/bjs/cvict.htm
http://www.ywca.org

Copyright © IAIA CHRONICLE 2005