Each February, the National Indigenous Women's Resource Center (NIWRC) joins Native communities and organizations nationwide to raise awareness about Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month. Teen dating violence impacts Native youth at concerning rates, and prevention requires community-wide engagement.
Tribal programs, leaders, educators, and community members all play a vital role in creating safe environments for Native youth and helping stop abuse before it starts. During TDVAM, we encourage you to share resources, host awareness events, and start conversations about healthy relationships in your communities.
According to the CDC's Youth Risk Behavior Survey in 2021, about 1 in 12 youth experienced physical dating violence, and about 1 in 10 youth experienced sexual dating violence. These statistics underscore the importance of prevention efforts and accessible support services.
For culturally-grounded support specifically for Tribal communities, visit the StrongHearts Native Helpline, available 24/7 at strongheartshelpline.org or 1-844-7NATIVE (1-844-762-8483).
NIWRC Releases 119th Congress Legislative Update
NIWRC's latest legislative update tracks critical developments affecting Tribal programs and victim services. On January 12, 2026, Crime Victims Fund Stabilization Act of 2025, or H.R. 909, passed the House by voice vote and was received in the Senate, where it was referred to the Committee on the Judiciary. This legislation would transfer residual funds collected through the False Claims Act (FCA), which are currently directed to the General Fund of the U.S. Treasury, to the Crime Victims Fund (CVF). The CVF provides non-taxpayer funding to thousands of victim assistance programs throughout the United States. In recent years, the deposits into the CVF have declined, resulting in cuts to the annual release of funds available for essential services and support for survivors.
This bill would ensure that vital victim services remain uninterrupted, including in Indian Country, by temporarily adding additional funding to the CVF.
NIWRC is seeking a full-time, remote Graphic Design and Digital Media Specialist to join our Communications & Development team. This design-forward role is responsible for executing NIWRC’s visual identity across social media, publications, campaigns, and digital platforms, translating our advocacy and programs into compelling, culturally grounded visual content. To apply, please send a resume, cover letter, 3–6 design or multimedia work samples, three professional references, and a completed NIWRC Employment Application to careers@niwrc.org. Position open until filled.
The Advocate Storytelling Project: Your Story Matters
Help us shape the future of victim services in Indian Country.
Whether you've provided services as an advocate, received support as a survivor, or worked alongside Tribal programs—NIWRC wants to hear from you. These anonymous submissions will help advocates and Tribal leaders shape future policies and responses. Take 10 minutes to share your experience.
On this episode, Lori Jump, executive director of the StrongHearts Native Helpline, discusses its history, importance, and the vital services it provides to survivors of violence. More than four in five American Indian and Alaska Native women have experienced violence in their lifetime, and with few options, victims of abuse often go without assistance. StrongHearts Native Helpline provides support, referrals, and safety planning for Native peoples by knowledgeable advocates available 24/7. Listen wherever you get your podcasts.
This newsletter is supported by non-federal funds. Some activities, resources, and events mentioned here are federally funded through cooperative agreements with the Office of Family Violence Prevention Services (OFVPS), Administration for Children and Families (ACF), U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Federally funded content is marked accordingly with the relevant grant number and disclaimer.
National Indigenous Women's Resource Center, 12 Bowstring Street, Lame Deer, MT 59043, 406.477.3896
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