10 Native American Activists You Should Know: Sarah Deer

"Sarah Deer, a member of the Muscogee Creek tribe, is a lawyer, professor at the University of Kansas, and advocate who has worked for victims rights and sexual violence prevention for decades. She was an instrumental activist in the 2013 reauthorization of the Violence Against Women's Act, which expanded tribal jurisdiction to prosecute non-Native perpetrators of domestic and sexual violence."

Colonization and Domestic Violence

"Domestic violence isn’t a Native American tradition, it was introduced through colonization," says the StrongHearts Native Helpline. "Violence was so ingrained into the fabric of everyday life that our ancestors not only succumbed to it, they were forced to assimilate to it."

Today, StrongHearts has become a lifeline to Native American and Alaska Natives impacted by domestic and sexual violence by offering a culturally-appropriate, anonymous and confidential service available 24/7 nationwide.

By calling or texting 1-844-7NATIVE (762-8483), or chatting online at strongheartshelpline.org: survivors, family, friends and partners questioning their own behavior can connect with StrongHearts advocates who provide support and advocacy including:

• Crisis intervention.
• Assistance with safety planning.
• Domestic violence education and information.
• Referrals to Native-centered domestic violence and sexual violence service providers.
• Basic information about health options.
• Support finding a local health facility or crisis center trained in the care of sexual assault survivors and forensic exams.
• General information about jurisdiction and legal advocacy referrals.

Report: Empowering College Men to Prevent Sexual Assault

"Prior research shows college-age men are often excluded from conversations around sexual assault prevention. A new report offers recommendations for colleges and universities on how to increase male student participation."

Why Our Views of Drugs and Homelessness Are All Wrong

"The California Statewide Study also conducted interviews with more than 300 homeless adults, exploring their daily life, including drug use. That work, along with other research, finds that individuals frequently use methamphetamine to help them stay awake at night to protect themselves and their property from assault and theft.

People also report using drugs to cope with depression, anxiety and the trauma of being homeless."

"For those who did use drugs in the last six months, 40% of people started using — more than 3 times a week —after becoming homeless."

4 Things You Can Do to Reduce the Gun Violence Epidemic

"The myth that the epidemic of violent gun deaths is all due to mental illness can be dangerous, Iroku-Malize said.

'Family physicians strongly caution against blaming mental illness for gun violence, which adds to the stigma and discrimination against people with mental health conditions.'"

"A history of violence, particularly domestic abuse, is a big red flag of future violence."