Tester secures nearly $300,000 to prevent domestic violence at Salish Kootenai College

(Big Sandy, Mont.)-Senator Jon Tester, Vice-Chairman of the Senate Indian Affairs Committee, today helped secure $300,000 to prevent domestic violence and sexual assault at Salish Kootenai College in Pablo.

The grant was awarded by the U.S. Department of Justice to develop initiatives to prevent, investigate, and respond to sexual assault and domestic violence. According to the Department of Justice, American Indian women are two and a half times more likely to be victims of sexual assault crimes, and one out of every three Native women reported having been the victim of a rape.

“These resources will help survivors get back on their feet and help prevent future cases of domestic violence.” Tester said. “It is critical that we continue to raise awareness about these services and help families take an active role to break the cycle of violence that exists in too many communities.”

The grant is part of $8.5 million that will be administered by the Justice Department’s Office on Violence Against Women to prevent domestic and sexual violence on college campuses.

Last month, Tester held a roundtable discussion with U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Sylvia Burwell and students in Pablo to discuss the challenges facing students in Indian Country.

Tester supported the Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act of 2013 and in June voiced his support for improving services for survivors of violent crimes in Indian Country.

Print
Share
Like
Tweet