Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM) calls us to honor the resilience of survivors while confronting the systemic barriers that disproportionately impact Native communities. For Native survivors, the trauma of sexual violence is intensified by historical oppression, jurisdictional complexities, and underfunded support systems. Their voices, too often silenced by stigma and institutional distrust, illuminate a path toward healing rooted in cultural knowledge and community strength.

At the Coalition to Stop Violence Against Native Women (CSVANW), we are committed to eradicating violence against Native women and children by championing social change from within our communities. Through the pillars of support, education, and advocacy, we strive to create violence-free futures grounded in cultural strength and collective care. Believing survivors is essential. Native women experience sexual violence at rates far exceeding national averages, yet many do not report due to fear of dismissal or retaliation. Creating safe spaces for disclosure requires centering survivors’ autonomy, validating their experiences, and dismantling harmful myths.



Tribal communities have long led this work, integrating ceremony, storytelling, and herbal medicine into pathways of trauma recovery. Partnering with Indigenous advocates ensures that our responses are culturally informed and grounded in the sovereignty and self-determination of Native nations. Supporting survivors also means caring for those who walk alongside them. Advocates, caregivers, and allies carry deep emotional burdens, and must be supported through their own healing journeys. Practices like smudging, prayer, and connection with nature, anchored in many Native traditions, can help restore balance and resilience. Setting boundaries, seeking therapy, and leaning into community are powerful acts of self-preservation and resistance against burnout.

This month, we reaffirm our commitment to Healthy Families, Healthy Communities, the heart of CSVANW’s vision. Amplify the voices of Native survivors. Advocate for sustained funding for tribal programs. Educate others about the unique challenges Indigenous communities face. Healing is collective: by uniting cultural strength with an unwavering belief in survivors’ truths, we continue the transformative work of creating communities where Native women and children can thrive, free from violence and full of possibility.

#SAAM #BelieveSurvivors #HonorSurvivors

Britney King

Diné & Chippewa-Cree

Project Coordinator

Saundra Tsabetsaye

Zuni Pueblo

Native Youth Coordinator

40-Hour Core advocacy Training - Strengthening Advocacy in Tribal Communities

The Coalition to Stop Violence Against Native Women (CSVANW) invites new and experienced domestic violence and sexual assault advocates, first responders, and service providers to join our 40-Hour Core Advocacy Training. This state-certified training equips participants with the knowledge, skills, and culturally responsive tools necessary to provide trauma-informed advocacy and crisis intervention in Tribal communities. Over the course of three days, participants will explore the historical and systemic roots of violence, gain critical insights into legal advocacy, and develop strategies for self-care and sustainability in this work.

Denim Day is on April 30, 2025

Denim Day is on April 30, 2025, a powerful day of solidarity against sexual violence.

Wearing denim is a statement that survivors deserve to be believed and supported. As part of Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM), Denim Day reminds us that what someone wears is never an excuse for sexual violence

March 2025 - CSVANW had the opportunity to visit Native American Community Academy and connect with 131 students from 6th - 8th grade in an important conversation about healthy relationships.

We discussed key elements like communication, respect, and boundaries important skills that help students build positive friendships and navigate challenges in a supportive and respectful way.

A huge shoutout to NACA schools for welcoming CSVANW and creating space for these important conversations. We must continue empowering Native youth with the tools to foster strong, healthy relationships - because together, we are building healthy families and healthy communities.

#CSVANW #HealthyRelationships #NativeYouth #NACA

March 2025 - CSVANW hosted their first MMIWR Search and Rescue community gathering on March 7th, 2025 at Capacity Builders Inc. in Farmington, NM. CSVANW was honored to invite 4 Corners K9 Search and Rescue back to give another training presentation to community members, families, and advocates working to combat MMIP.

4CK9SAR did an excellent job at providing initial steps and preparation for effective search planning. safety protocols, documentation, resource sharing and emotional support.

During this community gathering we were able to serve 25 community members coming from all over NM and the 4 corners region, Montana, and South Dakota. We were especially honored to have Navajo Nation Vice President, Richelle Montoya in attendance, and to share words of encouragement and support to the MMIWR families and community members. We look forward to more collaborations in the future!

#MMIWR #MMIP #MMIWG #NoMoreStolenRelatives

March 2025 - CSVANW at Her Story: Honoring Native American Women!

On March 8, 2025, CSVANW had the honor of tabling at Her Story: Honoring Native American Women at Petroglyph National Monument. This powerful gathering celebrated the resilience, leadership, and cultural contributions of Indigenous women while creating space for community connections and advocacy.

We were grateful to be part of this event, sharing resources, engaging in meaningful discussions, and supporting a day filled with cultural demonstrations, inspiring speakers, and performances. Seeing so many community members come together to uplift Native women was truly inspiring!

A huge thank you to the event organizers and everyone who stopped by our booth. Your support and commitment to advocating for Indigenous women and families are what make this work possible.

#CSVANW #HerStory #HonoringNativeWomen #IndigenousResilience #CommunityEmpowerment 

March 2025 - On Wednesday, March 12, 2025, at the Crown Plaza Hotel in Albuquerque, Melissa Riley, presented a Native-focused advocacy workshop titled "Trauma-Informed Advocacy: Empowering Social Workers to Support Sexual Violence Survivors in New Mexico Tribal Communities." This 90-minute skills-based session was part of the Social Services Conference and aimed to equip New Mexico social workers with essential tools to support survivors of sexual violence within tribal communities.

There was an emphasis on the importance of applying trauma-informed principles, such as safety, trustworthiness, and cultural responsiveness when working with Native American survivors. The workshop highlighted the need for effective communication techniques that build trust and rapport, ensuring survivors feel empowered and supported. The workshop also covered the identification and utilization of culturally appropriate resources and referral pathways, crucial for addressing the unique challenges faced by Native American survivors in New Mexico.

A key focus was placed on developing personalized action plans to implement trauma-informed, culturally responsive practices in social work roles. Additionally, the workshop closed by stressing the importance of self-care strategies to prevent secondary traumatization among social workers.

#StayInformed #InTheCommunity #SAAM

March 15, 2025 - CSVANW Tabled at the Navajo Nation Police Department's Missing Person Day. Presentations were provided by Navajo Nation Police Department on very crucial topics like submitting DNA, filing or updating a Missing Persons Case, support services, and resources. Families that have a missing or murdered relative spoke and provided testimonials pleading with law enforcement to work together and to help and support one another.

CSVANW handed out PPE and CSVANW swag, making great connections and connecting with resources during the event. MMIP is a very important to CSVANW, learning from and supporting the families is one of our core values. Please keep the families and victims of MMIP in your prayers.

#NOMORESTOLENRELATIVES#MMIW#MMIP

March 2025 - On March 20th, CSVANW had the honor of joining the Native Community Health Network for their HIV Testing & Health/Vendor Fair in recognition of National Native HIV/AIDS Awareness Day.

We set up a booth at New Mexico Community Capital to share resources, connect with relatives, and support the powerful theme: “Walking in Tradition, Anchored in Culture.”Big thanks to everyone who stopped by, took part in the conversations, and participated in free HIV testing. Events like these help strengthen our communities and create safer, healthier futures for all generations.

#NNHAAD2025 #CommunityHealing #CultureIsPrevention #CSVANWInTheCommunity

March 2025 - CSVANW hosted the Breaking Cycles of Violence Conference (formerly Tribal Leader Summit).

In attendance were the many amazing advocates, social workers, trusted tribal leaders, and council representatives. A great one-day session filled with important issues, uplifting messages, and current topics reminding us of our roles in breaking cycles of violence in our communities. Resource guides and pamphlets were provided to all for their use in the communities.

CSVANW is thankful to our advocates, attendees, tribal leaders, and staff that made it such a successful event.

#breakingcycles #ReclaimingSafety&Healing

March 2025 - On March 28th, 2025, CSVANW hosted a vigil in honor of Emily Pike, a young Native girl who was found murdered outside of her tribal lands of San Carlos Apache reservation in Arizona. CSVANW held this vigil to honor Emily Pike, honor all our Missing and Murdered Indigenous Relatives, and call for justice and an end to the cycles of violence against our relatives across the nation.

Impacted family members of MMIWR spoke up about how the crisis has affected them and their communities, and what we need to do as a state and as a country to take the MMIWR crisis seriously and put more effort into creating safer, healthier communities where all Native people can live long and happy lives free from the tragedy of systemic violence.

Senator Charley attended the vigil to voice her support for the advocacy of families and service providers in the legislature, and her push to pass the Turquoise Alert System in New Mexico, which would build public safety infrastructure to inform the public when a Native person goes missing. Only together can we make sure Emily Pike is not forgotten, and no little girl or family goes through the same tragedy ever again.

#JusticeForEmilyPike #MMIW #MMIP #EmilyPike

March 2025 - On March 29, 2025, CSVANW tabled at the Tiguex Park in Albuquerque, NM for the MMIP Pepita Redhair Prayer Run and Walk. The tabling booth provided information on MMDR funding opportunities, PPE, CSVANW swag, sister organization briefs, and CSVANW briefs specific to NM.

CSVANW's Land and Body Violence Coordinator Deiandra Reid spoke about the MMDR funding offered to those families that have missing and or murdered relatives. Informing the public of funding that will support them in the search for their loved one.

Thank you to those supporters who came to stand up and support those families that are searching for their relatives.

#NoMoreStolenRelatives #MMIW #MMIP

March 2025 - On Friday, March 28th, CSVANW was honored to provide a presentation on Strengthening Families: MMIP Awareness and Prevention for Native Youth at the 3rd Annual Parent & Caregivers Conference, hosted by Capacity Builders Inc. in Farmington, NM.

We would like to give a special thanks and a big shoutout to CBI for their hard work, dedication, and commitment in providing prevention awareness and education for all youth on Navajo Nation. Their determination to make a change in their community is unwavering!

#NativeYouth #MMIW #MMIP

General contributions and donations from individual supporters and organizational partners are essential for CSVANW's sustainability and effectiveness.

Your donation helps make it possible for us to cultivate and strengthen our ability to advocate for Native women and children and breaking of cycles of violence.

#SAAM #BelieveSurvivors #HonorSurvivors