Thursday August 7, 2008, 2:24 pm
We must not erase or forget the past - and we must fight to ensure that future generations of women are safe, respected and free from violence. Thank you for posting this thoughtful editorial - I will share it with friends.

Thursday August 7, 2008, 7:49 pm
We must start to validate the bodily integrity of all women. That assault continues to happen to Native Women as such a high rate and not prosecuted is a shame upon western society.

Friday August 8, 2008, 12:26 am
A similar situation exists in the Aboriginal communities of Australia, although I am not cognizant of the statistical figures. I am sure this is prevalant in many other countries as well. We should all do what we can to ensure the safety of all women world-wide.

Friday August 8, 2008, 12:29 am
that assault and rape happen at all in so called civilized cultures is appalling! no woman should grow up knowing that in her life she will be raped,beaten,and maybe killed by someone she knows,loves and trusts. this is a world wide problem and needs to be addressed as such! why can't men learn to control themselves?

Friday August 8, 2008, 12:38 am
Rape is for the weak to show their false power,something that they wont reach on their own strenght.
They don't understand love

Friday August 8, 2008, 12:39 am
sorry Natasha,can't seem to get on the page,keeps reloading

Friday August 8, 2008, 12:40 am
Server Error
The server encountered an internal error and was unable to complete your request.

JRun closed connection.

Friday August 8, 2008, 2:37 am
I cannot get on the site..that's a shame, i was gonna post this story on another site. it is a total shame and disgrace. we'd like to think every man has the mindset of respect, compassion, integrity, and equality but unfortunately, as long as there are men, this will be a reality for some women..but it should not be allowed to continue unrecognized or without penalty.

Friday August 8, 2008, 3:32 am
It has been happening for years ,since when the white man came here. As they didn't see them as civilized but as barbaric and took from their people their land ,lives, and women for their pleasure. It is a shame and should stop. All women should be respected as for them the world goes on threw the children that they bared.

Friday August 8, 2008, 3:40 am
Sadly, I got a message "Forbidden" when trying to go on to the site to read more :^(

Friday August 8, 2008, 4:55 am
server error too! we must fight endlessly to be respected as women we are ...

Friday August 8, 2008, 5:13 am
Timed out/me too, will try again later as all must be jamming the works.
What I don not like is the "indian" description as the Idiots who landed on the American shores thought they had reached India. Hence Indians instead of First Nations. The same thing happened here in Canada! The "Black Coats" Catholic priest took the Head man's invitation to come into the village, as the name of the country,"Kannata". So Canada actually means "Village". The Europeans ransacked and raped their way around the world and the males of the world all seem to carry the gene of "rape". So until the fathers all over the world start teaching their sons to not do that despicable act, it will continue.

Friday August 8, 2008, 5:33 am
THIS IS A SCOURGE IN OUR SOCIETY TODAY. I BELIEVE PART OF THE WORLD IS WAKING UP TO THE PROBLEM BUT AS LONG AS SOME MEN USE "FUNNY,PUT-DOWNS, THINKING WOMEN ARE TO BE KEPT BAREFOOT AND PREGNANT", THESE SAME THINGS WILL CONTINUE. MEN, AS WELL AS WOMEN, MEN NEED TO EDUCATE MEN!!!! VIOLET Y.

Friday August 8, 2008, 6:03 am
Noted

Friday August 8, 2008, 6:05 am
Women are born of Mother Earth; both women and Mother Earth must be respected. Hopefully, a new age will dawn soon that will bring about due honor to both.

Sue

Friday August 8, 2008, 6:07 am
It is time men see and understand that rape is the worst, the most despicable of crimes, the murder of a woman's soul.

Friday August 8, 2008, 6:55 am
Quote

....... The federal government's ''official indifference'' remains a major contributor to the marginalization and dehumanization of indigenous women. If any shame is due, it is to the United States for allowing this ethnic terrorism to persist.
...................

Ok here we go - how easy it is to point fingers, acuse and condem the other countries when they rape and molest. And it is just!! We rightly condem and acuse.
How fast the stance of public sensus changes when it happens within our own boarders, when racial discrimination assures to a point freedom of prosecution. - Or at least make it socially more acceptable. When we deceide and single out racial groups and minorities as "lesser deserving". When we look upon the women of non-whites and low income as less deserving. It seems the mental association of :"they asked for it.- they deserve it. they like it. that is what they know. ..... " gives some people the "permission" to take what they want.

All your citizens have the same rights - ensure equal right and euqal oportunities!

Friday August 8, 2008, 7:06 am
Although Native American woman are raped on a ratio of 1 to 3, for all of America the ratio is 1 in 4. And this is from little girls to the elderly. It has always been pushed off, and blame would fall on the vitime. But rape has nothing to do with looks or love. It has to do with POWER AND CONTROL. So, I applaud woman who stand up to this and prosecute those who do this. If not, they go on and do it again and again, getting more violent with each one.

Friday August 8, 2008, 7:31 am
What can we do? Why is there not a petition here to write our Congressmen about the additional funding needed to bring some justice and provide for the safety and treatment of these women. This is apalling.

Friday August 8, 2008, 7:33 am
Contact your congressman! I have.

Friday August 8, 2008, 8:11 am
I get a bit radical on such issues. I blame the whisasu (i know spelled incorrect) & their media for such attrocities. I will never in my lifetime understand why they didn't just try to live with Natives, & adopt our ways. I know this world would be a much much better place, if whisasu would just learn to live with the Mother Earth instead of continually taking from Her.
Don't stop at writing to congress, send a letter to your local newspaper, if you have been raped, seek help then volunteer at a rape crisis facility, yeah why isn't there a petition about this??? that we can send to congress? I'm a dufous at the petition writing. Tried it a couple times & well it didn't work out, so if there is one of you that can start a petition please inform me of it. Also, thanks Nick for your input. Rape is about control typically because the rapist is a very insecure individual.

Friday August 8, 2008, 8:11 am
no-one should be put through such trauma, it's a disgrace. I feel for those poor women, there has to be a way to stop this.

Friday August 8, 2008, 8:30 am
Noted , shame on any one who rapes a woman !!!

Friday August 8, 2008, 8:36 am
It is horrible how anyone could be raped. Authorities and media always tell people to go and tell someone should that person be violated, yet this report and personal experience proves that reporting does not seem to be enough. It is time people got off their rear ends and see the violence and damage women have to endure!

Friday August 8, 2008, 8:50 am
thats rediculus we need to stop it before it gets out of hand

Friday August 8, 2008, 8:59 am
Start with the governing body...As long as there is "..good ole boy.." mentality in the white house or envolved with those in the white house women will be at a disadvantage. The governing body basically sees women as breeders; we have fewer enforcaed rights than men, get paid less for the same work, are still talked down to when we try to appeal the system, still expected to be a team player and '..take one for the cause..', and are still expected to pick up the slack at home after a full 8 hour work day. The last vehicle bought in this house was an 'older woman's car' because the sales person and the money man refused to entertain my mother's wish for a truck(Sadly I was not with her!)! To add insult to injury...the government still applauds/allows the insurance company to cover viagra for men; men who are in jail in some cases; while women are Still denied basic birth control!!

Friday August 8, 2008, 9:04 am
i had no idea. the wrongs against native peoples need to stop.

Friday August 8, 2008, 9:06 am
What does this say about Native American men? One can only assume (and I could be wrong) that they are mostly the ones committing these horrific acts against Native women. What causes unprovoked violence against another human being??? And why is so much of it occurring in this particular culture??? Those are the questions we should be asking. As for my two cents, I feel the Reactive Mind is the culprit. To find out more, go to www.dianetics.org and watch the short video. You WILL be surprised!

Friday August 8, 2008, 9:14 am
The reported percentage of women who have been raped during their lifetime varies widely: from 2% to almost 30%. The reported percentage of children who are sexually abused is similarly high (see Child Neglect and Abuse: Sexual Abuse). Reported percentages are probably lower than the actual percentages, because rape and sexual abuse are less likely to be reported to the police than are other crimes.

Above excerpted from:
A href="http://www.merck.com/mmhe/sec22/ch253/ch253c.html" target="_blank">http://www.merck.com/mmhe/sec22/ch253/ch253c.html

-- Sadly this rate is not that much higher than the highest estimated rate overall . . .

Friday August 8, 2008, 9:15 am
here's that link again -- Above excerpted from:
http://www.merck.com/mmhe/sec22/ch253/ch253c.html

Friday August 8, 2008, 9:36 am
it is shocking why men are behaving in such a way? may be some mental sickness.so give good mental treatment to men inorder to prevent such cruelties from the part of men

Friday August 8, 2008, 10:13 am
We women must talk and guide our young women, so as to try to avoid this from continueing. We must empower ourselves and stand up for changes in the laws that govern us. We need to find our power as women and band together for change.

Friday August 8, 2008, 10:46 am
Where do this bastards come from?? c'mon are you gonna say you came out from your father penis all grown and fucked-up??

Friday August 8, 2008, 10:53 am
What bothers me the most is that these women who have been raped and/or murdered are often very quickly forgotten or even ignored. Even the media has been known to minimize the significance of these women. While a white woman who has been murdered may be front-page news, native women who have been murdered get put on the back pages. That's simply not fair! Perhaps these preditorial men use that to their advantage, knowing that they will most likely not get caught. Disgusting, in my opinion!

Friday August 8, 2008, 10:54 am
Rape is a crime of control & power. We all know this.
I rate it up there with homicide.
Men who rape young boys and girls should be castrated.
Women who rape should be jailed.

Friday August 8, 2008, 11:28 am
Sign Petitions - and then?????

Let me ask you a question of concience - no need to answer to me - "What would you do if a woman would cry for help?"

How would you think about her if she was known to drink heavily and wear mini skirts?

What would you say if she was known as promiscouos?

Friday August 8, 2008, 11:30 am
AS a Survivor of rape , I can sympathize with all women in the same boat.Rape initself is mostly an unreported crime because the victim feels somehow it is their fault.All people have the right not to be raped. Women , men, children, no matter what the race, ect.

Friday August 8, 2008, 11:37 am
We musat hold Rapists accountable for their actions. Rape is a control mechanism and they use sex as the control tool to manipulate you psychologically. We need to go back to the days when a man had to run a gauntlet of women when he disgraced his people.If he survived the gauntlet it made him a changed man if it did not then the Men of the community took care of him permanently. Some say that's vigilante justice , I say, No it's not! It's taking Care of our own! Most rapes are not reported because the survivor of the rape does not want to relive it in court! But making the rapists be held accountable for his actions, by other woman, i find quite fitting.Get better protection in place through the law enforcement officials if you can but if you can't stand up for yourselves,gather your tribe, and do what you ahve to do to establish order!

Friday August 8, 2008, 11:39 am
Tha's just awful... noted. Rape is never the victim's fault.

Friday August 8, 2008, 11:46 am
The worst thing is that this is such an unpublicized issue. I've never heard of this before. The main way to start a cause is to get people educated about it. This is such a horrific problem. Rape is degrading, emotionally scarring, and one of the worst things a person can go through. For this to become a normal, expected thing is unbelievable and unacceptable.

Friday August 8, 2008, 11:57 am
OMG! This is so shocking!

Friday August 8, 2008, 12:23 pm
"What does this say about Native American men? One can only assume (and I could be wrong) that they are mostly the ones committing these horrific acts against Native women."

Not true. Rape of minority women is often perpetrated by the majority in power.

Friday August 8, 2008, 12:32 pm
"The U.S. government's chronic underfunding of tribal justice systems has critically undermined efforts to protect Native women from this terrible fate. The federal government's ''official indifference'' remains a major contributor to the marginalization and dehumanization of indigenous women. If any shame is due, it is to the United States for allowing this ethnic terrorism to persist."

I grew up in a very small neighborhood, almost everyone who lived in the neighborhood was a cousin, maybe 9 or 10 times removed, but a relative, nevertheless. If any child was hurt or abused, there were consequences for the abuser and we had no pedophiles or rapists.

One "stranger" who drove the public school bus once exposed himself to small children ... I read in the newspaper that he was attacked in the bus parking garage by unknown individuals and wound up in the hospital with both his knees and hands broken in several places.

Friday August 8, 2008, 1:00 pm
Noted, shocked and appaulled.

Friday August 8, 2008, 1:11 pm
As a victim of sexual assault myself, I know that having a justice system that acknowledges the crime and pursues the perpetrator is an important part of empoweing the victim and believing that she is not at fault or shamed. I feel so much pain for what people do to these women and how they are revictimized by a system that continues to ignore their pain. When women are disempowered the whole culture suffers!!!!

Friday August 8, 2008, 2:16 pm
Poison Pill Slipped Into Indian Health Bill

Pro-life amendment used to derail legislation.When it comes to their health, American Indian women face extraordinary barriers, from high disease risks to increased incidents of sexual violence. They now face another obstacle, rooted in the political battleground of abortion.

http://www.care2.com/news/member/711180351/806490

http://www.inthesetimes.com/article/3788/poison_pill_slipped_into_indian_health_bill/

For those women who have been raped and find themselves pregnant, a poison pill provision slipped in by Sen. David Vitter (R-La.) that explicitly restricts abortions under IHS programs.

See the above story, copy and paste into your browser.

Another example of controlling women by men. This is in US. Yes, women are treated as second class or no class in many parts of the world. This is most unfortunate, despicable. There are many intelligent woman all over that suffer continuously. These acts of violence against women must stop.

TY, Natasha.

Friday August 8, 2008, 2:20 pm

PETITION: http://www.thepetitionsite.com/takeaction/532643756

Copy & paste into your browser.

Tell the Bush Administration: Birth Control Pills Are Not Abortion.

Sponsored by: National Partnership for Women & Families
Just when we think we've seen it all, the Bush Administration has drafted regulations that would undermine women's access to birth control.

Under the guise of clarifying existing federal laws that allow health professionals to refuse to provide abortion services, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has drafted regulations that redefine abortion to include commonly used, FDA-approved methods of contraception, such as birth control pills and IUDs.

This radical redefinition of abortion is at odds with science and the government's own definition -- that pregnancy begins with the implantation of a fertilized egg.

This is a shameful political ploy in the waning days of the Bush Administration, which could cause immeasurable harm to the 17 million women in need of publicly funded contraceptive services.

Please sign your letter to Secretary Michael Leavitt today, and urge him to abandon these radical, dangerous regulations.

Friday August 8, 2008, 2:22 pm
Please don't keep saying what does this say about Native men. It is also white men and they are worse in many ways. Towns around reservations teach their children to look down on natives and especially native women. This has gone on for years (200). Native women have a harder time trying to break a cycle, get educated and get a good job. Believe me they try. As far as drinking and in mini skirts, doesn't that descibe white women??? They aren't offered the help white women are when they come into an ER beat to hell and raped. I saw a young girl that was raped, and low and behold, he had all his friends tell the FBI, she put out for all of them. Justice on a REZ. You just don't know. You have tribal police, half related to the rapist and the other half related to the victim and not much thought about it. Then the only other help available is the FBI. Study your history. They either do nothing at all or they end up killing natives. The meek and insane, if you will. Please, don't blame the women. White, Brown Black, Drunk, High or short skirt does NOT invite rape and a beating and for a woman to even think that makes me wrench. Try living in poverty your whole life with no light at the end of the tunnel. No jobs, no medical, no education, no movies, no shopping centers, no hope, high suicide rates!!!! It goes on and on. They have not gotten their Constitutional rights yet. They have only been "citizens of the US" since 1924 and yet most of their young men got to war, fight and as history proves, Navaho code talkers won WWll. This is a plight on America. Natives are wonderful, warm, loving, laughing people and I can't say as I could do it. Till you are educated on Native "Rights", you will find there is no justice for native women or men. Women do have it far worse on a Rez.

Friday August 8, 2008, 2:41 pm
Defiling a woman is the most loathsome act that is thinkable, and all women and girls of the world have the indisputable right to respect and to have their dignity protected.

Friday August 8, 2008, 3:39 pm
it's a disgrace. I feel for those poor women

Friday August 8, 2008, 4:16 pm
This news angers and saddens me. As a survivor of childhood sexual abuse, I understand the losses and longterm effects that a women suffers from after this degrading experience. I'm still recovering 26 years later.

Friday August 8, 2008, 4:59 pm
This is terrible, the governments should be providing more services for these women.

Friday August 8, 2008, 5:00 pm
No one should suffer rape no matter race...that the world would come together in harmony and peace. aho

Friday August 8, 2008, 5:04 pm
The fact stated above is just enough. I couldn't (wouldn't) even go to the specific site to read up more about it. It doesn't make no damn difference whether the victim is a native women (never mind the nationality) or the first lady herself - it is all the same big shame, the same big crime. and it is definitely beyond my understanding, how anybody could do such dastardly thing to another human being. And: no one women has to 'fully expect to be raped' - such is a shame beyond words to describe it and a crime as well.

Friday August 8, 2008, 5:16 pm
It is always painful to hear of yet another crime committed against women...its disgusting that some men do rape ~worse that they are not convicted and receiving the maximum punishment for their crime. the fact is for many centuries women have been 2nd & 3rd class citizens...look at the facts arranged marriages, fighting for the right to vote, paid less for same job as male counterpart...lists can go on & on. Seems that women who are disable are among the last to receive disability. Why? I don't have the answers. Many centuries ago women were valued for their knowledge, chidldbearing by many cultures. Then the world or cycle of life shifted and man had power over his 'possissions, etc.'
It saddens me to hear of this continues to happen. Until women have laws that are enforced to protect their rights, until women empower themselves with means of self defense ~ martial arts, pepper spray, heck an air horn and get those free cell phones that allow you to call 911 and do that...its time for women to rise again and take their rightful place in society. One thing women can do is be a support system for our sisters and stand together and empower ourselves with knowledge we are not alone. Any female or male attornies can be a great help with pro bono legal service for a crime, lawmakers place stronger womens rights law, judges see that they are enforced. Police take it serious when we call. be aware all women of your surrounding and take precautions. finally lets look after each other...there is strenght in numbers.
Noted and thanks

Friday August 8, 2008, 5:34 pm
Until extremely strict laws are passed AND upheld by courts, these crimes will continue. I saw a movie, years ago, starring Richard Crenna. He was a prosecutor who thought of rape as a joke, the woman's fault for being flirty or dressing sexy. Then one night, his car broke down on a deserted road, along comes a motorcycle gang, and let's say, he became their woman. Turnabout fair play? The lesson being, IT IS NOT A JOKE. Rapists are dangerous, looking for bigger thrills, so let's put them behind bars where they belong, if it takes a prison in every town (and it might). Thanks, Natasha. Pray for the victims!

Friday August 8, 2008, 5:54 pm
Shocking.

Friday August 8, 2008, 7:39 pm
As a survivor of rape, I find this to be absolutely appalling and horrible beyond all words! This MUST stop!!!

Friday August 8, 2008, 7:52 pm
rape is an unforgivable crime and its perpetrators don't suffer unless they are convicted. the victim always suffers trauma and guilt for a very long time. women have to watch out for themselves and take care to be safe.

Friday August 8, 2008, 8:26 pm
This is absolutely shocking. Crimes against all women must stop!

Friday August 8, 2008, 8:44 pm
This is not a shock,but it is sickening. Not only violence against women,but violence in humans must stop before we end up destroying our own species as we have destroyed so many others. Rape,Pedophiles,the worst walk away when they should be severely punished. This cannot be tolerated!!

Friday August 8, 2008, 8:45 pm
As a white woman with tuscarora and cherokee in me i been there and this abuse really needs to stop. people DO NOT have the right to violate others stop and think how sick this is.

Friday August 8, 2008, 8:54 pm
This abuse of these and any women is totally barbaric.We are supposed to be a civilized nation and yet men get away with this crime.Our government should be ashamed to let this happen and continue to keep looking the other way.
After all..women are citizens ,too.

Friday August 8, 2008, 9:57 pm
This is wrong! It should be stopped. It doesn't matter the race, skin color, nationality, sexual preferance, ect... all those are irrevelant. What matters is these women need to be protected and those harming and killing them MUST be brought to justice! Men who commit these crimes MUST be severely punished so that others will think more than twice before committing these kinds of crimes against women. STOP looking the other way and help protect these women and bring the men who do this to swift justice. If I heard a woman in trouble better bet I WILL call police and report it immediately! I'll be there for them just wish someone would've done the same for me. Today I'm fine I'm one of the lucky ones that got away! I'll tell you the same thing leave NOW don't look back! They will NEVER change no matter what they say to you or promise it is ALL LIES and they will eventually kill you or try. Believe me he did try I lived through it for many years (12) to be exact. Yes they change they get WORSE! I left and today I'm alive because I left. You do the same.

Friday August 8, 2008, 11:50 pm
JIMI HEDRIX SING ~ GIVE THE TRUTH TO THE YOUTH = THEY DONT NEED A WHOLE LOTTA LIES !!!!!!!!!! COZ ONE OF THESE DAYS = THEY WILL BE RUNNING THINGS!!!!!!!!! = SO WHEN YA GIVE EM LOVE YA BETTER GIVE IT RIGHT!!!!!!!!!!! WOMAN & CHILE !!!!!!!!!!!! MAN & WIFE !!!!!!!!! THE BEST LOVE TO HAVE = IS THE LOVE OF LIFE !!!!!!!!!!!!! PASS IT ON BABY STRAIGHT ON AHEAD !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! JIMI IS PART CHEROKEE !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! IF YALL WANT MAYBE CAREFULLY MAKE GOOD PETITIONS TO ALL POLITICIANS PROBLY BETTER TO EDUCATE & REHAB & PROBLY WHATEVER GOOD RELIGIONS LIKE BAPTIST PREACHERS ALLWAYS SEEM TO REHAB THE WORST CRIMINALLS INTO BEING GOOD CITIZENS WHERE I SEEN LOTS IN THE NEWS WHERE JUST PRISON MAKES EM WORSE LIKE ALSO PETITION TO MAKE STATISTICS & MANY SURVEYS ALL THE TIME TO WHAT TEQUNIUES METHODS BEST EDUCATE TO PREVENT CRIMES & ALLWAYS SURVEYS STATISTICS TO WHAT TEQUNIQUES METHODS BEST EHAB CRIMNIALS !!!! AALSO PETITION HOLLYWOOD TO GET PSYCH EXPERTS TO FIRURE OUT WHAT KINDA MOVIES & TV SHOWS WOULD BEST EDUCATE COZ LOTTA NUTS LIKE JEFREY DAHMER WENT WEIRD WATCHUNG CERTAIN MOVIES LIKE RAMBO MOVIE MADE A NUT SHOOT KIDS !!!!!!! LIKE HOLLYWOOD GOTTA MAKE GOOD EDUCATING SHOWS! ILIKE TIBET MONKS BEST FOR REIGION & RASTAS & JEWS KRISNAS MAHARISHIS I MET GOOD ISLAMS & OF COURSE NATIVE GREAT SPIRIT RELIGION MAY ALL OF EM BE GREATEST SUPER & RINGO & PAUL BEATLES TEACH GOOD SUPER FANTASTIC HGOODLUCK YALL!!!! YAMASHTE GO WITH GREAT SPIRIT OMANPEMEHUNG OMAHMEDEWARIE RE RE RE JE JE !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1 HO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! OM AH HUUNG!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! THATS TIBET &NATIVE MANTRAS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Saturday August 9, 2008, 1:17 am
Sure men need to see that this is a crime, but as well as punishing them we need to understand the culture of violence against women, & educate people to see it as unacceptable. Seems there are broadly 2 types of men committing: those who feel so priveleged that they can do so with impunity, & those who feel so low on the social scale that they are relieved to have someone 'under' them that they can abuse.

Saturday August 9, 2008, 6:23 am
Rape of any female no matter the race or color should be a death sentence.

Saturday August 9, 2008, 7:39 am
The Trauma Rape or any sexual abuse cause's so many insecurities, trust being at the top of the list that a person may never recover. It is so sad that this happens to so many, in which many are never reported. And if reported, the person wont get the real help they might need. I think there is hope & healing for these individuals that have been abused with so much pain & fear. I pray this prayer also for There healing.

Saturday August 9, 2008, 8:53 am
The fact that this is allowed to continue is barbaric. It needs to stop NOW. It is time the tribes showed the PRIDE they are so fond of touting and those accountable for their actions. Lock tham up and throw away the key. While incarceration may not be THE answer,at least they won't be raping WOMEN while locked up!!!

Saturday August 9, 2008, 8:59 am
noted and thanks Natasha ! As a victim of rape as a young teen I understand the damage that is done to the victim.Rape is all about control and power and should be prosecuted no matter what nationality the victim is.
This is an outrage that the perpertrators have gone unprosecuted just because the victim is a Native .All woman should be protected by the law !

Saturday August 9, 2008, 9:16 am
Like many people who think that they are superior, they are just cowards hiding behind the laws that they make up. God will not be merciful.

Saturday August 9, 2008, 9:46 am
I have a half-Sioux niece - this is personal forme!

Saturday August 9, 2008, 10:16 am
To expect to be raped...I don't think I'd be able to accept that. Thank you for opening my eyes. I pray I won't close them again...

Saturday August 9, 2008, 11:05 am
For an idea of how swept under the rug the death of a Native Woman is, do a little research into Anna Mae Asquash. Her full name was Anna Mae Pictou Asquash, but Pictou is seldom mentioned with her name. She was murdered,in the 60's, for what she knew, & for trying to protect her people from uranium mining on their Reservation. The federal government went to great lengths to cover-up her death & even further lengths to cover up her murder, including cutting off her hand, rather than just a finger, & sending to a new employee for identification, even though atleast two of the federal investigators present knew who she was. Also, the coroners report stated that she died of exposure. Yet when the family prepared her for her journey on to the next life- a small caliber bullet hole was found at the base of her skull. She was murdered by the US government because they wanted to silence her. The man that pulled the trigger, as of a year or so ago, was living in another country. Authorities know where he is and refuse to prosecute him for Anna Mae's death. If you do research on this issue, remember the truth is hard to find, but then what do you expect from a government that demands it's school children be taught political lies so as to make the country appear great. Info on Anna Mae may be linked with info on Leonard Peltier, yet another Native wrongly accused. Federal employees have stated that they knew Peltier was innocent. He is an example of BIA corruption & the lengths they will go to to cover their own butts at anyones expense.

Saturday August 9, 2008, 11:15 am
Bring this to Full Circle will help this situation from staying in the past..We must all place our hands around the globe to enhance the Positive affect on this horable situation with our woman today.

Saturday August 9, 2008, 12:38 pm
yes ze j,have heard about her and read her story.She was a brave woman,didn't they call her the warrior woman?
Amazing activist,just like Leonard

Saturday August 9, 2008, 1:08 pm
Nick is correct in his quotation of the ratios (go ahead, look it up if you don't believe it). Michelle, the word 'often' doesn't mean a thing - other than to differentiate from 'rarely'. People tend to use the word 'often' when they simply don't know the true details, but wish to slant them towards a personal bias. Individual cases here and there, sensationalized for our morbid benefit, do not accurately portray the entire picture. The reason why there is a greater instance of rape among native Americans is not because non-native Americans are sneaking onto the reservations and pumping up the statistics; it is (brace yourself) because of the culture. They live on a reservation, which is a sovereign governmental entity with its own laws, customs, and mores. The reason they 'haven't gotten their Constitutional right yet' is because they are effectively a different country. One cannot declare oneself separate from a nation, and then expect to be considered a part of it at the same time. Imposition of Constitutional guarantees would impinge upon and interfere with tribal rulings. In other words, they have the opportunity to create or negate as many problems for themselves as they wish, without fear of intervention. As former law enforcement, I've seen native American justice first hand, and the culture itself appears to promote the dynamics necessary for such horrible crimes. Fortunately, though the 'man on the street' might not be ready to mend his ways, there is every indication that the more learned and august governing bodies of said reservations are aware of the disparity, and are working to change things, slowly, but surely. What they really need is our support. Krystina is correct in her assessment. I realize that it's difficult to hear that one's own culture might bear improving, but nobody is perfect. Hell, as a Caucasian, I get to hear that every day - so why should you be exempt from the occasional acknowledgment? Or, do you actually think that every problem native Americans face is due to other cultures? If so, that's a romantic but inaccurate interpretation. Native Americans were raping their women long before anyone else arrived on the continent. I recall an incident years ago where a drunken/high native American on a reservation in AZ had slashed his wrists and used the blood to paint protection symbols on the walls of a public place. Rather than immediately apprehend said loon, the native American police just chuckled and mused about how it was 'a part of their culture'. That's the same approach used to investigate rapes. The thing to do here is not to ignore the problem by shifting the blame to another culture, but rather to acknowledge it, and use education as a fulcrum to move towards a more equitable mindset. In fact, that same fulcrum could arguably be applied to every culture on the planet, to better the lot of women everywhere. Victimstance thinking has never solved any problems.

Saturday August 9, 2008, 4:12 pm
i in 3 to 4 women get raped per 1993 canadian stats, and that is old stats, i just googled, as I knew those, i was looking for updated ones, as many don't report and keep silent. even after it is reported, it is often used against you, in many forms by many people. someone mentioned above about YELLING FOR HELP, I DID AND THE OTHER GUY IN THE PARK WAKLING HIS DOG, IGNORED IT, I WAS ALMOST MURDERERED. I WAS TOLD YOU ARE BETTER TO YELL 'FIRE'. Although changes have been made, long ways to go for all women and so called 'society', men that been asked if they would rape if they knew they would get away with it for sure, the percentage is quite high that said yes, you can google that too, not up to c/p links, i was redirected here by c2 daily action after clicking, and had no problem getting to the article, so the server must have or gets overloaded.

Saturday August 9, 2008, 4:20 pm
Linda R...I am so sorry you were a victim. Not just for Native Americans, but for all women in general.

Since I'm a solution-oriented type of person, I learned to carry pepper spray with me at all times. While teaching night school for a number of years, I had to lock up the classroom after all teachers and students usually ran home, leaving me on a dark, lonely, scary street where homes were a block away. During that time, I used that pepper spray four times! 2 times on men, once on a pit bull. You can believe I gave those cannisters a good workout. I then asked for a transfer.

Today, I carry BEAR SPRAY. I'm 57 years old, can't run like I used to and don't have the strength to fight anyone off, nor should I have too. Once I was stopped by the Highway Patrol for speeding on the freeway. He saw my bear spray on the seat next to me and said, "I hope you're not planning to use that on me!"

Every person who walks the streets minding their own business or is in their own home should have a defense against attackers. I wouldn't wait for the government to protect us.

I don't recommend anyone living in fear. But we all owe it to ourselves to protect ourselves.

Saturday August 9, 2008, 4:22 pm
Correction: I used the pepper spray 3 times at that school location, and one time near my home while walking with a friend.

Saturday August 9, 2008, 5:47 pm
Thank you for posting this editorial. I admire the women for being brave enough to tell their stories, in the hope that their daughters and granddaughters will experience a better future. I feel so sorry for these women who "expect to be raped". I wish that no one would be treated as inferior to someone else. I hope that everyone; indigenous peoples, women, and all citizens of our world; can look forward to a much happier future, where they will feel safe, valued and experience true equality.
xo

Saturday August 9, 2008, 6:12 pm
oh I got the pepperspray, I don't have a large can, and the cops didn't take it away from me either, the last time i pulled it out. I am bed'housenound now, however, i did google the larger sizes, gee's, i wouldn't be able to use some of them, possibly even lift them. yikes. I will look into getting a larger one for when I am able to get out again. I keep it by the door now. I have alwasy worried about which way the 'wind' would be blowing if i needed to use pepperspray, o rif they were too close, and I got it too. the larger ones are propelled a long distance.

Saturday August 9, 2008, 6:39 pm
As a rape victim and as well as my best friend when we were younger. Rape affects your life. A preventive measure is to never allow yourself be taken to a second location by someone you don't know. I pray for these women. This is just aweful and their civil rights to a peaceful life are being taken from them.

Saturday August 9, 2008, 8:16 pm
Sunshine...aim the spray at your target with one hand, and cover your face with the other, leaving a crack between fingers to see.

Saturday August 9, 2008, 8:46 pm
This happens in any culture and race... WOMEN NEED PROTECTION! Just as men do, of course! But women has suffered greatly for so long now. It's time we take a stand, women!

Saturday August 9, 2008, 9:28 pm
We have to do something, please help us

Saturday August 9, 2008, 10:12 pm
Thanks For This; WOMENS' RIGHTS and JUSTICE for ALL.

Saturday August 9, 2008, 11:37 pm
Thank you for the information. Educating people is the first step in making changes.

Sunday August 10, 2008, 1:17 am
Education does help, but how do we teach people that a violation of our bodies is in effect a crime? We glorify the wrong things and we don't teach children the right things. It is still a man's world and the more women try to become equal I believe the worse it gets. There is no reason that any human being should not be cherished and honored. I am appalled by this and I also agree that it is a crime that largely goes unreported. Many many people have suffered this degradation and it knows really no boundaries of race,religion nor sex.

Sunday August 10, 2008, 7:53 am
that to me is unbelievable. Indian women wer the foundation of america. Have we forgotten they were here 1st. They should be honored and treated with the utmost repect.

Sunday August 10, 2008, 8:00 am
These women hold a wealth of knowledge from their ancient ancestors.
We need for them to be able to pass on this knowledge without
fear. We need to listen

Sunday August 10, 2008, 8:06 am
This must be stopped

Sunday August 10, 2008, 8:26 am
Dennis A rape is NOT a part of the Native culture! Natives respect their women, & hold them in high regard.One very good example of white man distorting Native American culture is a woman's menstration cycle. Menstrating women were catered to. They were given a quiet place to live during their time of honor, which was also considered a time of reflection & rest. Many of the great prophecies of Natives came from women. The woman would tell the Chief of her moon time vision & the Chief would then relay the message to the Tribe. Leave it to caucasians to really mess that one up

Sunday August 10, 2008, 8:34 am
Go to Indian Country Today to read the article. This is a tragedy in this day and age. I was awestruck by this article. I am going to write my own article on this after researching it further, and will publish it at AssociatedContent.com! This is so degrading to these Native American and Alaskan women and it must be stopped.

Sunday August 10, 2008, 8:49 am
Law is supposed to protect people - not further victimize them. Changes need to be made to streamline, strengthen and clarify jurisdiction to protect Native American women.

Sunday August 10, 2008, 9:11 am
Rape knows no boundaries between race, color, age, looks, education, financial status, job status, marriage, religion, country or country of origin. It is an act of violence..and opportunity for the weak spirited to create and experience POWER OVER someone who can not physically and/or emotionally fight them off. I do not know if we will ever see a world that does not have rape in it. It has been used ruthlessly by some men as a way to erase and commit ethnic cleansing since the beginning of time. Also as a means to subdue and show OWNERSHIP of women...Until all nations and people regard women as owning THEMSELVES...I think we are faced with an uphill battle on this issue.

Sunday August 10, 2008, 9:41 am
all who come here to this site should carry the message to as many people as possible- knowledge is power and we need to spread that knowledge!

Sunday August 10, 2008, 11:39 am
I feel very passionate about standing up for these women and all women who suffer rape. We can't do enough to help.

Sunday August 10, 2008, 12:32 pm
An advertising campaign needs to be implemented to emphasize the fact that rape is done by the fearful, the ignorant and the weak. I think men who are predisposed to rape don't care if it is a crime or not. They most likely think it's cool to commit as many crimes as they can get away with. Just like the use of the term 'gunman' whenever a violent crime is committed, we NEED to change the terminology so the crimes don't sound so attractive to the criminally inclined.

Sunday August 10, 2008, 1:08 pm
To: Isabella Hillmayr
"Sign Petitions - and then?????"
Pass them along to others to sign

"Let me ask you a question of concience - no need to answer to me - "What would you do if a woman would cry for help?""

I would call 9-1-1. Scream & shout & carry on until all the lights were turned on in the neighborhood-hoping to scare the offender away. Or I would approach with a weapon.

"How would you think about her if she was known to drink heavily and wear mini skirts?"

It wouldn't much matter to me. Rape is Rape. NO MEANS NO.

"What would you say if she was known as promiscouos?"

AGAIN, NO MEANS NO.

I have a very clear conscience & I know that everyone in my family and my aquaintences would do the best I could to stop the rape.
What would you do dear, Isabella? Turn your ipod up? Shake your head and say, "Well that drunken, miniskirted ho deserved it."

Sunday August 10, 2008, 1:59 pm
I believe that what Nick has posted (ratios) are understated. The reason for this is that many rapes go unreported. For example, it is fact that the # of rapes on college campuses are unreported 80% YES, UNREPORTED EIGHTY %!!!

Sunday August 10, 2008, 3:29 pm
And the rapes on reservations is even higher.

Sunday August 10, 2008, 5:49 pm
as a victim of rape as a teenager i can feel the pain of these poor women when is society wake up and realise this is happening and should be stopped regardless of race or creed every female has the right to live a peaceful existence of love and happiness not fear

Sunday August 10, 2008, 7:49 pm
This is a horrible fact of life. Here in India Men in the villages think nothing of injuring the dignity of young girls. In a culture where women of dark skin and poverty pose open season for men the Govts. only get to know about these attrocities after a lapse of time, owing to the hushed up factor, and in any case they tread warily for fear of losing the votes of these powerful classes. No girl who has been raped is going to be married by any man. The only avenues open to her are killing herself or joining as a sex worker. Her family throw her out, no such thing as compassion, we're loving in the dark ages in the villages of India, especially North India. Now with women killing off their female babies ( they are too poor to get them married and pay the dowry demanded ) there is more preying upon women, the reason that the man woman ratio has dropped so drastically, that there are no women to marry. Hoist on their own petard, you'd say? Actually no. No matter what, the man always comes out the winner. He raids other states, and carries off their women. Its unbelievable in this day and age, but what is happening here is very similiar to your petition and I thought I must tell you folks about it.

Sunday August 10, 2008, 10:59 pm
Tragic; But Somehow this Doesn't Suprise me. Thanks. KEEP Young Kids Safe.

Sunday August 10, 2008, 11:03 pm
Noted. Thanks Natasha.
The key is education and empowering women, giving them confidence and a belief in themselves. I understand that most are poor, that is why we must support them to fight for justice and a better life.

I recently read of "An Unspeakable Nightmare, An Unstoppable Dream" By Robert Kiener, in the August Reader's Digest.
The story of Mukhtar Mai, a 28 -year-old woman in Meerwala south of Pakistan's Punjab province.
She was raped by 4 Mastoi men. After she was brutally assaulted, the illiterate Pakistani woman was supposed to restore her family's honour by killing herself.
Instead, Mukhtar Mai chose to live, to fight for justice and to find a better life for women like herself.

After much suffering and threats and hard work this courageous young woman went on to establish a school in her village to educate illiterate Pakistani girls so they don't have to go through what she did.

Sunday August 10, 2008, 11:52 pm
I live in Argentina. There are 500 women, included girls, that were kidnapped to "work" as sexual slaves. They mainly belong to poor families.
Violence against women (including sexual abuse and slavery) is frequently not punished, because our defective legislation makes it difficult to prove these atrocious crimes.
It seems that women and girls are vulnerable throughout the world, it doesn't depend on cultures or social classes. Even if our president Cristina Kirschner is a woman, this problem does not seem to be a priority for her.

Monday August 11, 2008, 7:08 am
Noted, TY Natasha.

No one on this Earth has the right to violate any other person, no matter what! And so it is...

FreeSpiritRunning...

Monday August 11, 2008, 4:55 pm

Native American women experience the highest rate of violence of any group in the United States. A report released by the Department of Justice, American Indians and Crime, found that Native American women suffer violent crime at a rate three and a half times greater than the national average. National researchers estimate that this number is actually much higher than has been captured by statistics; according to the Department of Justice over 70% of sexual assaults are never reported.

As women of color, Native Americans experience not only sexual violence, but also institutionalized racism. Alex Wilson, a researcher for the Native American group Indigenous Perspectives, found a high level of tension between law enforcement and Native American women, who report numerous encounters where the police treated the women as if they were not telling the truth.

“In a reservation community,” Wilson said, “911 would dispatch police to a scene of domestic violence, but police would call the victim by cell phone and decide himself when or if he should go to the victim’s home. Often the women would wait for an hour and other times the abuser would answer when the police called, and would say everything was fine, and there was no need for them to come. Native women . . . who called police for help were often re-victimized by the police.”

Native American women also stand a high risk of losing their children in instances of physical and sexual abuse. The women often will stay with abusive husbands in order to keep their children. In one case, a woman was beaten by her husband so badly that he broke bones and she was forced to seek refuge in a domestic abuse shelter. The husband, through support of his tribe, was able to gain custody of their two children. He continued his violent behavior, at one point, throwing their two-year-old child across the room. The woman was never able to regain custody.

In addition to domestic abuse, Native American women also experience the highest levels of sexual and domestic abuse of any group. A report from the American Indian Women’s Chemical Health Project found that three-fourths of Native American women have experienced some type of sexual assault in their lives. However, most remain silent due to cultural barriers, a high level of mistrust for white dominated agencies, fear of familial alienation, and a history of inactivity by state and tribal agencies to prosecute crimes committed against them.

“There are cultural barriers and a lack of understanding of culture in general,” said sexual offense worker Bonnie Clairmont, of the current systems meant to support survivors of sex crimes. As reported by The Circle On-Line, July 1999, she says, “One of the crucial things many professionals do not understand, is that Native Americans have a legitimate reason to distrust ‘the system.’ After all, memories—both personal and cultural—of forced sterilization and other violent ‘treatment’ procedures are not so far in the distant past for many Native Americans.”

The Report on Violence Against Alaska Native Women in Anchorage, conducted by community agencies in Anchorage, Alaska, found a widespread fear and distrust for law enforcement. Nearly all of the women interviewed felt the system had “turned its back on them” and insisted that their rights had been systematically violated. The report documents an instance involving an Anchorage police officer and a Native Alaskan woman who had been held hostage and dragged across the lawn by an intimate partner. The officer ignored her report and proceeded to tell the woman to undress so he could look for bruises. “I was afraid they might lift up my clothing or maybe that they all would rape me . . . ,” the woman said. “ I was just terrified.” The police falsely claimed the woman was drunk at the time of the incident despite a hospital report that refuted this. The woman’s attacker was never convicted.

Police and courts tend to ignore cases of violence involving Native American women due to alleged confusion between federal and tribal jurisdiction. Law enforcement and attorneys often are not schooled to deal with the cross-over in dealing between jurisdictions. Eileen Hudon, a sexual abuse counselor from the Minnesota Indian Women’s Resource Center, said there is a “basic ignorance in the whole justice system.” This causes blatant violations of the rights of Native American women. Technically, cases involving a non-Native American perpetrator and Native American victim fall under federal jurisdiction. According to the Department of Justice, 70% or more of violence experienced by Native American women is committed by persons not of the same race. The problem of violence against Native American women is exacerbated by federal apathy in law enforcement and the courts, and minimal funding for shelters, counseling, and education in Native American communities.

The cycle of violence is continuing into the next generations of Native Americans. The Seminole Tribune reported in June 1999, “Sexual assault and domestic violence are so widespread in Indian Country that spousal abuse is occurring in younger and younger couples and it is not uncommon for date rape or date physical abuse to occur among teenagers.”

“Federal, tribal and state institutions have not made stopping violence against Native American women a priority issue,” says NOW National Board Member and Native American woman, Genevieve James. “ NOW is committed to raising awareness on the problem and will demand that Native American women receive full protection against violence.”

Re-authorization of the Violence Against Women Act has appropriated over $4 million dollars to go toward improving services to Native American women who have experienced domestic violence, sexual assault and stalking. However, crimes committed against Native American women still continue to be marginalized if the United States Attorneys do not feel pressure to prosecute these crimes fairly.

NOW is urging that United States Attorney’s offices develop statistics on crimes committed against Native American women and make them public. NOW also encourages activists, chapters and states to contact the United States Attorney General’s Office and insist that battery, rape, sexual assault, and gender-based violence committed against Native American women be prosecuted to the fullest extent by the law.

NOW will work to educate members and encourages activists to educate others about the growing epidemic of violence against Native American women and to demand that adequate government funding be administered for shelters, counseling, and education in Native American communities.
For more information concerning violence against Native American women, contact:

Mending the Sacred Hoop
202 East Superior Street
Duluth, MN 55802
(218)-722-2781

Minnesota Indian Women’s Resource Center 2300 15th Avenue South
Minneapolis, MN 55404
(612)-728-2000.

Monday August 11, 2008, 8:35 pm
Thank you for these contacts and informing with this news.

Tuesday August 12, 2008, 9:49 am
what lock of conscience !!!

Wednesday August 20, 2008, 5:50 pm
This things happen every where. It is a same for us. What do we mean civilized? We often think if it is not possible by the society or people then we left it to God. No Never it is not like that. Education, Women participation in every sphere of life like men, self protection, Govt action, Criminal investigation and a lot of action from Govt and from Pvt is required.

Thursday August 21, 2008, 6:37 am
when a man rapes he takes something away from a woman that many think cannot be reclaimed-but it can be and once done cannot be taken ever again no matter what- it is our duty as woman to reclaim what was taken and help heal the sisters who have been broken- I do not know a single woman that does not have a story of horror to tell along these lines somewhere in their life-the laws have not protected us and do not serve us and for myself I donot think more laws will help for what is needed here has to come from the male spiritual leaders and from women who speak with one voice.
We are the mothers of the whole human race and when we as women refuse to think or feel we are less or defiled because of some mans abuse and refuse to behave in any manner that is less than the Goddesses we are then the laws will get inforced and the real men of the world will stand with us We must not accept the labels of any cultures that say what a 'good" woman is and what a "good" woman is not.By accepting the labels of cultures we as woman have passed on to our daughters and sons what a "good" woman is and is not.I am not saying it is womens fault but I am saying we have allowed men to make us think we are less and in countries where woman are killed for some mans idea of honor-all the woman there and in the world need to speak with one voice loud and clear NO you will not-we as women outnumber the men in the world population and it is only by fear that they have done this and for generations untold women because of fear for their lives and their childrens lives have quietly took this torture and remained broken therby unable to pass the beauty of who they were and are onto the next generation.It is time for all woman of the world to shake off the shame and help their sisters around the world heal-when the women heal the world will heal-being silent because of fear or shame has not helped us ever and that silence has endangered us more than ever and this article speaks to the consequences of silence due to fear and shame-To those who have lived through this horror -I honor you-
If you are not standing tall and proud-start right now- do not wait for someone else to tell you what a wonderful being you are-for I have just told you -now it's up to you to believe it.you are part of the sacred .Never accept that you are less -I have walked this path of horror and healed-I reclaimed what he took and I have sat with many a sister in their walk to healing . I told them how precious they are and how worthy they are while they cried their shame- I was honored to walk with them ,honored to know them and honored to have been part of their journey back to themselves-I learned so much from them -their beauty ,courage and light is amazing and these qualities live within every woman on the planet.When women walk in shame and fear -when we stay silent we send a unspoken clear message to our children that this is the way life is and that these horrors have power-make the horrors powerless stand proud- hold your head up high-Be the Goddess you are.
thank u so much for this story