November is Native American History Month

Governor Jerry brown stands with three leaders
in the Native American Community at the 45th Annual
California Native American Day. CalVCP was honored
to participate in this outreach event at the
State Capitol last month. 

This November marks the observance of National Native American History Month. This observance is an important reminder to those of us who serve victims of crime to continue to reach out to all underserved and vulnerable populations.

Recent research shows that Native American communities face a national public safety crisis and are particularly vulnerable to family violence. Data gathered by the U.S. Department of Justice indicates that Native American Women are 2.5 times more likely to be sexually assaulted than other women in the United States and the majority of these assaults go unreported. This data also shows that in at least 86% of the reported cases of rape or sexual assault against American Indian women, survivors report that the perpetrators are non-Native men. As staggering as these statistics are, we’re told that most cases of violence in Native American communities continue to go unreported.

In at least 86% of the reported cases of rape or sexual assault against American Indian women, survivors report that the perpetrators are non-Native men.

Because California is home to more Native Americans than any other state, it’s imperative that these victims have access to available assistance. We are committed to connecting with these communities and making CalVCP financial assistance available to victims in need. During the 2010-2011 fiscal year, CalVCP helped Native American victims by paying nearly a quarter-million dollars of crime-related bills – and although this is a good start, we know there is much more work to be done. We continue to attend outreach events, share materials and meet with community organizations in an effort to reach Native American victims, survivors and their family and friends.

There are many resources and services available to those in need:

• Help for Native Americans: CalVCP Information Sheet
• Sacramento Native American Health Center
• Bureau of Justice Statistics, American Indians And Crime: A BJS Statistical Profile, 1992-2002 
• Indian Country Accomplishments of the Justice Department, 2009-Present
• Native American Communities Justice Project (NACJP)
• National Criminal Justice Reference Service, Justice in Indian Country

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The California Victim Compensation Program (CalVCP) provides compensation for victims of violent crime. CalVCP provides eligible victims with reimbursement for many crime-related expenses. CalVCP funding comes from restitution paid by criminal offenders through fines, orders, penalty assessments and federal matching funds.