Congressional hearing addresses crisis of violence against Indigenous women and girls
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The U.S. House Committee on Appropriations held an oversight hearing on November 21, 2024, to address the ongoing crisis of missing and murdered Indigenous women. The meeting highlighted alarming statistics and discussed various initiatives aimed at tackling this pressing issue.
During the hearing, it was noted that less than half of violent victimizations against women are reported to law enforcement, with Indigenous women facing particularly high rates of violence. Research indicates that Native women experience murder rates ten times higher than the national average, with many cases remaining unresolved. Approximately 71% of Indigenous women live in urban areas, yet data on violence in these communities is scarce.
Several key initiatives were discussed, including the establishment of Operation Lady Justice in 2019, which aims to address unresolved cases of missing and murdered Indigenous individuals. The Bureau of Indian Affairs created a Missing and Murdered Unit in 2021 to enhance interagency collaboration, and in 2023, the Department of Justice launched a regional outreach program that places attorneys and coordinators in five regions across the U.S. to assist with these cases.
Committee members emphasized the need for increased resources and collaboration among federal, state, tribal, and local law enforcement to effectively combat violence against Indigenous women. They acknowledged the importance of data collection and reporting, referencing legislation such as Savannah's Act and the Not Invisible Act, which aim to improve these efforts.
The hearing also served as a platform for personal testimonies from witnesses, who shared their experiences and the impact of violence on their communities. The committee expressed a strong commitment to addressing this crisis, with members from both parties recognizing the urgency of the situation and the need for federal action.
In conclusion, the hearing underscored the critical need for comprehensive strategies and adequate funding to protect Indigenous women and girls. The committee plans to continue its work in this area, aiming to foster collaboration and secure necessary resources to address the ongoing crisis effectively.
During the hearing, it was noted that less than half of violent victimizations against women are reported to law enforcement, with Indigenous women facing particularly high rates of violence. Research indicates that Native women experience murder rates ten times higher than the national average, with many cases remaining unresolved. Approximately 71% of Indigenous women live in urban areas, yet data on violence in these communities is scarce.
Several key initiatives were discussed, including the establishment of Operation Lady Justice in 2019, which aims to address unresolved cases of missing and murdered Indigenous individuals. The Bureau of Indian Affairs created a Missing and Murdered Unit in 2021 to enhance interagency collaboration, and in 2023, the Department of Justice launched a regional outreach program that places attorneys and coordinators in five regions across the U.S. to assist with these cases.
Committee members emphasized the need for increased resources and collaboration among federal, state, tribal, and local law enforcement to effectively combat violence against Indigenous women. They acknowledged the importance of data collection and reporting, referencing legislation such as Savannah's Act and the Not Invisible Act, which aim to improve these efforts.
The hearing also served as a platform for personal testimonies from witnesses, who shared their experiences and the impact of violence on their communities. The committee expressed a strong commitment to addressing this crisis, with members from both parties recognizing the urgency of the situation and the need for federal action.
In conclusion, the hearing underscored the critical need for comprehensive strategies and adequate funding to protect Indigenous women and girls. The committee plans to continue its work in this area, aiming to foster collaboration and secure necessary resources to address the ongoing crisis effectively.
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