Support funding that protects Indigenous women from rape and sexual violence

Dear Kevin,

Today, August 9th, is the International Day of the World's Indigenous Peoples - a day that is meant to honor ethnic groups around the world who are native to a particular land or region.

However, as the US Congress comes under pressure to cut the deficit and drastically reduce spending, Native communities could be left without the necessary resources to fight the epidemic of rape and sexual violence perpetrated against Native women and girls.

You may recall that one of our most historic victories in 2010 was when President Obama signed the Tribal Law and Order Act into law. This was a hard-fought battle championed by tribal leaders, Native advocates, and Amnesty members like you.

The Tribal Law and Order Act begins to empower tribal governments, address jurisdictional challenges and improve the agencies, programs and policies that have failed to protect, prevent and respond to Native American and Alaskan Native women survivors of sexual and domestic violence.

It is these very lifelines - the already chronically underfunded agencies and programs tasked with ensuring the safety and well-being of tribal communities - that Congress is threatening to cut…unless they hear from you first!

Support the funding that keeps America's indigenous communities safe from rape and sexual violence.

With Congress in recess - and Congressional members' at home in their local districts hearing the needs and priorities of their constituents (you!) - the time to strike is now!

So celebrate today by raising your voice in honor of America's Indigenous peoples.

We fought to get legislation such as the Tribal Law and Order Act on the books, and there's no better day than this one to fight to keep its legacy and purpose alive!

With Hope,

Angela T. Chang
Government Relations Associate Director
Amnesty International USA