Health Matters for Women

Improve American Indian and Alaskan Native Women’s Health

During American Indian/Alaska Native Heritage Month, we highlight opportunities to address issues that impact the health of women in our communities.

Sexual Violence

Sexual violence (SV) refers to sexual activity where consent is not obtained or not given freely. Anyone can experience SV, but most victims are female. The person responsible for the violence is typically male and usually someone known to the victim. The person can be, but is not limited to, a friend, coworker, neighbor, or family member.

Prevalence and Characteristics of Sexual Violence, Stalking, and Intimate Partner Violence Victimization — National Intimate Partner and Sexual Violence Survey, United States, 2011

In 2011,

An estimated 24.5% of American Indian/Alaska Native women experienced stalking during their lifetimes.
An estimated 51.7% of American Indian/Alaska Native women experienced physical violence by an intimate partner during their lifetimes.
An estimated 55.0% of American Indian/Alaska Native women experienced sexual violence other than rapeduring their lifetimes.

U.S. Department of Justice: To find local resources click on your state, then click on the name of your state coalition. You will be directed to the coalition website or a listing of local resources in your state, if available.

What Can Be Done:

The goal of sexual violence prevention is to stop sexual violence from happening in the first place. Prevention efforts should ultimately decrease the number of individuals who perpetrate sexual violence and the number of individuals who are sexual violence victims.
Many prevention approaches aim to reduce risk factors and promote protective factors for sexual violence.
In addition, comprehensive prevention strategies should address factors at each of the levels that influence sexual violence— individual, relationship, community, and society.

If you are in danger or need help, you can call:

911
Your local hotline,
The Rape, Abuse and Incest National Network (RAINN),1-800-656-HOPE, to be routed to a rape crisis center near you,
The National Center for Victims of Crime Victim Service Helpline, 1-800-FYI-CALL or 1-800-211-7996 (TTY/TDD),
Or contact local tribal resources