Idaho's federal, state and tribal partners join to stop violence against Native Americans
BOISE, Idaho (CBS2) — Idaho’s federal and state court systems and Idaho tribal partners are working together in 2021 to stop all kinds of violence against Native Americans.
This year's actions will aim to curtail domestic violence, sexual assault, human trafficking and other violent crime on Idaho’s reservations.
Federal, state and tribal judges, prosecutors; court staff, law enforcement officers, victim assistance officers, treatment and social workers, law professors, and Idaho State Bar representatives have met to learn and plan how to stop domestic violence, sexual assault, human trafficking, and other violent crime on Idaho's reservations.
The discussion, according to an Idaho District Court representative, will inform a larger event this fall intended to develop interagency and intertribal relationships to produce meaningful action and lasting change.
More than four of every five Native American adults have experienced some form of violence in their lifetime, according to the National Institute of Justice, and Native American women who are victims of violence have less access to legal and other necessary services.
“Idaho’s tribal, state and federal courts and governments have opportunities to work collaboratively to stem the tide of violence and assault against Native Americans, and we should work together to make every tribal community as safe as possible.” said Judge Ronald E. Bush of the United States District Court for the District of Idaho. “I am heartened and encouraged by the commitment made by each of the participants in this conference to continue working toward actual and meaningful improvements in the justice system for victims of such crimes, and for a dramatic decrease in the frequency of such crimes.”
