The Department of Justice, Office of Violence Against Women awarded the Colorado River Indian Tribes (CRIT) $830,000 to prosecute domestic violence and sexual assault occurring on tribal lands. Among other things, this grant will fund a Tribal Special Assistant United States Attorney (SAUSA).
The OVW grant will enhance the capacity of CRIT to hold domestic violence offenders accountable by partnering with the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Arizona to increase law enforcement coordination, and strengthen the relationship between federal prosecutors and CRIT. Most importantly, the OVW grant will allow a CRIT SAUSA to prosecute these cases alongside Assistant U.S. Attorneys in federal court, while simultaneously staying connected to the tribe and identifying cases to remain in tribal court.
“The prosecution of these crimes is a priority for my office,” said U.S. Attorney Gary Restaino. “I am very pleased that attorneys from my office will be able to work with a CRIT SAUSA, who will bring personal cultural sensitivity to this very difficult work.”
“The Colorado River Indian Tribes is pleased and honored to have been selected to receive the Tribal Special Assistant United States Attorney grant,” said Amelia Flores, Chairwoman of the Colorado River Indian Tribal Council. “Domestic violence and sexual assault continue to harm our members, families, and children. The grant funding will allow us to improve communication and coordination among the various jurisdictions, apply best practices, improve outcomes of prosecution and community safety and ensure victims receive the services and support they need.”
OVW provides leadership in developing the nation’s capacity to reduce violence through implementing Violence Against Women Act and subsequent legislation. Created in 1995, OVW administers financial and technical assistance to communities nationwide that are developing programs, policies, and practices to end domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking. In addition to overseeing federal grant programs, OVW undertakes initiatives in response to special needs identified by communities facing acute challenges. Learn more at www.justice.gov/ovw.
