SAAM 2023 Toolkit

Sexual Assault is sexual contact or behavior that occurs without explicit consent of the victim.  During the month of April, wear teal to show support to those affected by sexual assault.

PRESIDENTAL PROCLAMATION

https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/presidential-actions/2021/03/31/a-proclamation-on-national-sexual-assault-prevention-and-awareness-month-2021/

Click on the link above to view President Biden's Proclamation against DV released 3/31/21

Due to the severity of domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking crimes, Congress passed VAWA (Violence Against Women Act) in 1994 as part of the Violent Crime and Law Enforcement Act of 1994.

This act has been reviewed and expanded upon with the VAWA reauthorization acts of 2000, 2005, and 2013.  

VAWA 2013 gave tribes, that wanted to participate and meet the standards set forth by the Act, the ability to exercise their sovereign powers to charge, convict and sentence both Indian and non Indian perpetrators who commit acts of violence against an Indian spouse or dating partner or violate a protection order in Indian Country.

The VAWA reauthorization Act of 2021, if passed, will strengthen the Act by adding the safety of disarming domestic abusers and ensuring survivors have access to safety and justice.