CSVANW is a 501(c)(3) organization that is funded in part by the Office on Violence Against Women, U.S. Department of Justice. The opinions, findings, conclusions, and recommendations expressed in this publication/program/exhibition are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the U.S. Department of Justice.

Advocate of the Month for July 2025

This July, we honor Lucita Benally (Diné) as our Advocate of the Month. With over 20 years of dedication to domestic violence advocacy, Lucita’s work is rooted in compassion, cultural respect, and community healing. We are grateful for her continued commitment to uplifting and protecting Native families. Please join us in celebrating her!

Northern Pueblo Agency Law Enforcement Strangulation Training

Juul 10, 2025 | Ohkay Casino & Hotel

The Coalition to Stop Violence Against Native Women (CSVANW), in collaboration with the New Mexico Coalition of Sexual Assault Programs (NMCSAP) and the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA), invites Northern New Mexico law enforcement to a Strangulation Response Training on:

📅 Date: July 10, 2025

📍 Location: Ohkay Casino & Hotel, Ohkay Owingeh, NM

This training is specifically designed for officers serving Tribal and surrounding communities. Participants will gain essential skills to identify, investigate, and effectively respond to non-fatal strangulation cases, a critical component of domestic violence and sexual assault response.

Space is limited. Secure Your Spot Today.

Southern Pueblo Agency Law Enforcement Strangulation Training

July 17, 2025 | BIA Southwest Regional Office, Albuquerque, NM

The Coalition to Stop Violence Against Native Women (CSVANW), in collaboration with the New Mexico Coalition of Sexual Assault Programs (NMCSAP) and the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA), invites Northern New Mexico law enforcement to a Strangulation Response Training on:

📅 Date: July 17, 2025

📍 Location: BIA Southwest Regional Office at 1001 Indian School Rd NW 

This training is specifically designed for officers serving Tribal and surrounding communities. Participants will gain essential skills to identify, investigate, and effectively respond to non-fatal strangulation cases, a critical component of domestic violence and sexual assault response.

Space is limited. Secure Your Spot Today.

Legislative Advocacy Workshop

July 23, 2025 | Virtual

The Policy & Advocacy Department is excited to offer another Legislative Advocacy Training! This training will be centered on working with attendees on how to draft a public comment, or a short speech informing others about a particular issue area. As well as successful strategies for speaking about an issue, and general public speaking tips.

Join us to expand your knowledge on how to advocate on the issues important to your community.

Membership Meeting - 3rd Quarter

August 5, 2025 | In-Person

Join CSVANW for the 3rd Quarter Membership meeting. CSVANW welcomes members and anyone interested in learning about CSVANW Membership. CSVANW staff will provide quarterly updates and talk about future events. August is National Breastfeeding Awareness month and a guest speaker from the New Mexico Breastfeeding Task Force will provide an overview of their program and the services they provide. Lunch will be provided by Grandma Jo's Bakery from Laguna Pueblo.

If you have any questions or would like to learn more, please contact CSVANW's Membership and Outreach Coordinator Lincoln Encino at [email protected].

Community Advocacy Meeting

July 15, 2025 | Virtual

CSVANW will be holding our Community Advocacy Meetings where we will grow relationship with our Tribal Advocates in sharing resources, learning from presentations that aid in the work we do in community, as well as share updates on policies and events. 

The impact these meetings will have for Tribal communities will enhance service delivery from Tribal Advocate Attendees. The relationships created between tribes and CSVANW, bridge the gaps of event support, information sharing, opportunities for PPE support, and training. 

Advocates will have a safe virtual space to communicate barriers and find support from each other and CSVANW, without sharing confidential survivor-identifying information.

13th Annual Native Youth Summit

July 11 & 12, 2025 | In-Person

The Native Youth Summit (NYS) is a two-day leadership development event for Native youth ages 13–17. Hosted by the Coalition to Stop Violence Against Native Women (CSVANW), the summit is a space for growth, connection, and healing.

Together, we’ll explore what it means to lead with culture, compassion, and courage. Sessions will focus on healthy relationships, consent, bystander intervention, mental health, and more, centering the lived experiences of Native youth and building tools to break cycles of violence.

WHO: Native youth ages 13–17

WHEN: Friday & Saturday, July 11–12, 2025

TIME: Day 1: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM | Day 2: 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM

WHERE: Bachechi Open Space | 9521 Rio Grande Blvd NW, Albuquerque, NM 87114

🍽️ Meals: Breakfast & lunch provided each day

💵 Stipends: Available for youth who attend both days

Please note: Participants will take a 15-minute (0.7 mile) group walk to and from Equine Therapeutic Connections (10138 Bosque Cir NW). A parent/guardian waiver of liability will be required on Day 1.

Limited spots available! This application must be completed by the youth (not a parent or guardian). Please print a copy of your application before submitting.

Southwest Butterflies Retreat

SAVE THE DATE

August 1st & 2nd, 2025

The Southwest Butterflies Retreat (SWBR) is a two-day gathering created for Native young people ages 16–24 who identify as LGBTQ2S+. 

This retreat centers the voices and experiences of our LGBTQ2S+ relatives while fostering a space rooted in culture, healing, and connection. SWBR focuses on community education, prevention, and awareness of domestic violence and sexual assault, while also providing participants with tools to support their well-being and empowerment. 

Our intention is for every young person who attends to feel seen, supported, and reenergized- leaving with a deeper sense of community and strength in their identity.

More information coming soon!

June 2025 - 40-Hour Core Advocacy Training. CSVANW gathered at CNM Space Solutions with powerful advocates across tribal communities to build skills, strengthen circles of support, and deepen our commitment to healing justice.

Ada Pecos Melton’s grounding presentation on Tribal Codes and victim rights, to Tashina Nelson’s “Painting My Power” workshop exploring identity through art, to Alexandra Kinsella’s heartfelt session on navigating vicarious trauma—each session reminded us of the strength and purpose we carry as advocates.

Day 2 - Dr. Melissa Riley, grounded participants in Trauma-Informed Care & Culturally Responsive Crisis Intervention, reminding us how vital culturally rooted support is for healing. Tashina Nelson shared Domestic Violence Safety Planning: Tools for Advocacy & Survivor Support, providing practical approaches and cultural insights to support survivors and families with care and dignity. In the afternoon, Sarah Tafoya, MSN-FN, RN, CEN, SANE-A, FNE, offered a powerful presentation on Medical Forensic Care for Survivors of Violence in Native Communities, highlighting the essential role of SANE nurses in trauma-informed, inclusive care. We ended the day with Michelle Gonzalez of CCRI, who walked us through Image-Based Sexual Abuse: Ten Steps for Greater Safety, addressing the urgent need for digital safety in advocacy spaces.

Day 3 - Participants engaged in deep, meaningful sessions on tribal sovereignty, legal systems, and trauma-informed prevention, all while uplifting the voices and experiences of Native survivors. To honor their dedication, each participant received a CSVANW 40-Hour Advocacy Shirt, symbolizing their ongoing commitment to advocacy in our tribal communities. 

A huge thank you to our presenters, staff, and each participant who brought heart and wisdom into this space. Please keep a lookout for upcoming CSVANW trainings, events, and news — we have more to come as we continue building collective healing and safety across Indigenous communities.

#CSVANW #AdvocacyInAction #IndigenousAdvocates

June 2025 - The Coalition to Stop Violence Against Native Women tabled at the Santo Domingo Stride With Pride event held at the Santo Domingo Pueblo.

The day offered participants to walk in kinship offering insight and reflection. Participants singed in and were able to choose a walking path. Santo Domingo OVW provided t-shirts, snacks, and swag. CSVANW handed out PPE, informational briefs, stickers, and CSVANW swag.

Participants stopped by the table and engaged in meaningful conversations and were thankful for the support.CSVANW honors the efforts of the Santo Domingo OVW program for hosting a beautiful event. Their efforts and intentions mirror those of CSVANW bringing community together, honoring Pride, and ensuring the continued existence of safety within the communities. Thank you Santo Domingo Pueblo OVW.

#SantoDomingoPueblo #StrideWithPride #Community

June 2025 - CSVANW tabled at the Justice for Ranelle MMIR Awareness Walk and Community Resource Fair held in Shiprock, NM.

CSVANW's Land and Body Violence Coordinator, Deiandra Reid, walked eight miles alongside the family of Ranelle Bennett to support their efforts of bring awareness to MMIR cases in their small community. All who joined in the walk were other impacted families, friends, a council delegate, and community members and organizations. Participants joined with the intentions of spreading awareness and most of all, to advocate for justice that their loved ones deserve. 

What does awareness mean to these families? It means supporting one another, advocating for resources, sharing their concerns, and most of all a call to action from law enforcement. All attendees were affected in some way by the missing and/or murdered crisis and walked in hopes that key stakeholders were watching and listening to their stories, supporting their efforts, and most of all to uplift their need for justice and closure. CSVANW supports the efforts for awareness, it is very important we listen to the voices of the families of MMIR, and it is very crucial that we all bring awareness to these issues especially for our Native children.

CSVANW was happy to table at this important event in the Shiprock community. We were able to hand out informational briefs, PPE, water bottles, and CSVANW promotional items to the community. CSVANW staff engaged in meaningful conversations and networking with local organizations within the area. Many people thanked the coalition for attending and supporting the walk. Thank you to the family of Ranelle Rose Bennett for inviting CSVANW to attend and provide resources to the beautiful community of Shiprock, NM. We honor your stories and uplift your efforts to bring awareness and most of all JUSTICE.

#NoMoreStolenSisters #Shiprock

June 2025 - CSVANW provided two presentations to advocates and service providers at the Native American Training Institute 2025 conference at Isleta Resort and Casino.

CSVANW's first presentation was focused on understanding how MMIP affects Tribal communities in New Mexico, providing a foundation for advocates to support impacted family members and communities. Attendants were engaged in the conversation around violence in Native communities, and the powerful advocacy of the families and activists involved in the MMIP movement.

CSVANW's second presentation built on the foundation of the first, expanding on how MMIP is directly connected to the violent extraction of resources from Tribal land. Environmental violence, and structural inequality caused by colonial theft of Native lands, contributes to the disproportionate cases of Missing and Murdered Indigenous persons occurring on or around Tribal lands. Participants were excited to learn more about how Land and Body Violence connects to MMIP, many expressing thankfulness at being able to discuss the topic in detail. Advocates from Zuni also asked for support from CAVANW to work on building the capacity for their Tribe to respond to cases of Trafficking and Missing persons. Thank you to all our wonderful participants and thank you to NATI for inviting us to this wonderful conference.

#LandAndBodyViolence #ProtectOurLands #JusticeForOurRelatives

June 2025 - CSVANW hosted part two of our training series entitled "Violence on the Land is Violence on the Body," at the National Education Association in Santa Fe, NM.

Part two built on the foundations of the first training's exploration of the connections between extractive industries and violence against Native peoples, delving deeper into solution-oriented workshops around the expansion of sovereignty to protect land and people, search and rescue and its connection to the land, and victim advocacy for missing persons on Tribal land. 

Participants got the chance to engage in grounding exercises to be able to engage in the field of violence prevention with healthy minds, bodies, and spirits. Participants got a chance to hear from a diverse selection of speakers, including K9 Search and Rescue founder Bernadine Beyale, who provided a detailed presentation on how the land remembers the violence that has been done to it and those who live on it, how to use knowledge of the land in SAR efforts, how to heal the trauma that has occurred on the land and in doing so repair our sacred relationship to it. 

Reyes DeVore with Pueblo Action Alliance also provided a grounding Body Mapping workshop designed to reconnect ourselves with our histories, our stories, and our experiences through reflection on the body. CSVANW staff members Pat Gallegos and Deiandra Reid provided presentations on Sovereignty, Trafficking, Resource Extraction, and how best to support impacted family members of MMIP through victim advocacy. We had such an amazing group of presenters that our staff was able to connect with deeply, and we truly appreciate everyone who was able to come out and join us.

#CSVANW #StopViolenceAgainstNativeWomen #TheLandIsSacred

June 2025 - Window Rock, Arizona, hosted the Navajo Nation Pride, WE ARE STRONG – Pride Festival & Market, a vibrant demonstration of community and support for the LGBTQI+ community across New Mexico and Arizona.

The event featured a lively parade led by the Navajo Nation Band, setting a celebratory tone for the day. More than 40 vendors participated, showcasing Native American artisans, food sales, and outreach booths that offered health information, voting resources, and support services for LGBTQI+ individuals. The festival also included a dynamic drag show, further celebrating diversity and self-expression.

Throughout the day, speakers uplifted and empowered the Native American LGBTQI+ community, reinforcing the event’s message of unity and strength.

#NavajoNation #Pride #CSVANW #ProtectTransYouth

June 2025 - Thank you to everyone who joined us for the Coalition to Stop Violence Against Native Women's Sexual Violence Project training on June 26 at the UNM Continuing Ed Building in Albuquerque!Together, we deepened our understanding of culturally responsive, trauma-informed care for Native survivors of sexual violence.

Participants engaged in powerful conversations about personal biases, learned about the unique challenges faced by Native survivors, practiced culturally sensitive communication, and identified community resources and barriers. Your commitment to creating safer, more supportive spaces for Native communities makes a difference. Let’s continue this important work together; together, we are stronger.

#CSVANW #SupportNativeSurvivors #TraumaInformedCare

At CSVANW, every contribution matters. Whether you’re an individual supporter or an organizational partner, your generosity is the heart of what keeps us going.

When you give, you’re not just donating, you’re actively helping to break cycles of violence and standing as a cycle breaker. Your support fuels our mission to advocate for Native women and children, creating powerful change and paving the way for healthier, safer communities for generations to come.

A Gift of Gratitude. As a thank you, all donors will receive free digital Cycle Breaking wallpapers, a small token to inspire and honor your commitment to this movement.

A big thank you to our amazing June 2025 donors! Your generosity drives CSVANW's efforts to advocate for healthy families and build strong, thriving communities. We couldn’t do this meaningful work without you!

TEWA ROOTS SOCIETY IS HIRING!

Crime Survivors Speak:

Healing and Safety Conference

August 21-23, 2025

The Crime Survivors Speak: Healing and Safety Conference is a first-of-its-kind, two-day gathering happening in Atlanta, Georgia, in August 2025—bringing together crime survivors, service providers, advocates, community

leaders, and system officials from across the country to learn, organize, and 

transform public safety policy.

#SafeTechSafeFutures #CycleBreakers

CSVANW is a 501(c)(3) organization that is funded in part by the Office on Violence Against Women, U.S. Department of Justice. The opinions, findings, conclusions, and recommendations expressed in this publication/program/exhibition are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the U.S. Department of Justice.