Recently, President Joe Biden signed the reauthorization of the Violence against Women Act (VAWA). The reauthorization includes Alaska-specific provisions that will empower tribal governments to prosecute non-Native perpetrators of violence in their villages.
“The renewal of VAWA is a huge win for Alaska Native Tribes. This historic piece of legislation includes important tribal provisions that will empower tribes to actively curb domestic violence in their villages,” says TCC Chief/Chairman Brian Ridley, “This is a critical step in the protection of Alaska Native women and children, as they experience higher rates of violence than any other race and many villages do not have a public safety presence. It also creates a pathway forward for Tribes, the State and Federal governments to come together and create a collaborative holistic response to public safety issues in rural Alaska for the first time.”