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.169399.1
HOUSE MEMORIAL
48
TH LEGISLATURE
- STATE OF NEW MEXICO -
FIRST SESSION
, 2007
INTRODUCED BY
James Roger Madalena
A MEMORIAL
REQUESTING A MULTIAGENCY STUDY OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AGAINST
NATIVE AMERICAN WOMEN; SUPPORTING THE COLLABORATIVE EFFORTS OF
THE INDIAN AFFAIRS DEPARTMENT, CHILDREN, YOUTH AND FAMILIES
DEPARTMENT AND DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH ON BEHALF OF NATIVE
AMERICAN WOMEN, CHILDREN AND ELDERS WHO HAVE BEEN SUBJECTED TO
VIOLENCE, SEXUAL ASSAULT, BATTERING AND STALKING.
WHEREAS, the state of New Mexico has a Native American
population whose families, including infants, children, youth,
adults and elders, suffer at increased rates from intimate
partner violence, family violence and stalking; and
WHEREAS, it is in the best interest of the state to urge a
collaborative response to address the problems of women,
children and elders who have been subjected to such violence;
and
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.169399.1
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WHEREAS, Native American traditions honor, respect and
revere women as the essential life-giving force, as guardians
of cultural attributes and endowed with the knowledge to
sustain and deliver traditional values for generations to come;
and
WHEREAS, Native American women experience high rates of
domestic violence, sexual assault and stalking within New
Mexico and across the United States; and
WHEREAS, culturally compatible shelters, resources and
rehabilitative institutions are insufficient to meet the needs
of tribal communities and not conducive to the health and well-
being of all family members and intimate partners; and
WHEREAS, the prevalence of violent crimes against Native
American women by non-native perpetrators poses additional
legal complications, as non-native perpetrators sometimes are
left unprosecuted and unpunished because of jurisdictional
loopholes; and
WHEREAS, the future of the state of New Mexico rests in
its protection of all constituents through its legal
structures, state departments and systems of governance to
ensure the safety, quality of life and well-being of women; and
WHEREAS, making it possible for Native American women,
their children and elders to live in an environment free of
violence, sexual assault and stalking is not only important but
also critical; and
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.169399.1
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WHEREAS, the Indian affairs department, children, youth
and families department and department of health have the
capacity and resources to examine and assess the scope of
issues associated with disproportionate rates of violence
against Native American women;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF
REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO that the state
increase awareness of violence, stalking and sexual assault
against Native American women; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the house of representatives
request the Indian affairs department to convene an interagency
working group on Native American domestic violence that
includes its staff and staff from the children, youth and
families department and department of health to study the
specific domestic violence problems of Native American women
and to pinpoint culturally important distinctions in successful
treatment of Native American women, children and elders who
have suffered domestic violence; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the interagency working group
on Native American domestic violence report its findings and
conclusions to the interim Indian affairs committee during the
2007 interim; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the interagency working group
on Native American domestic violence engage in collaborative
efforts to end violence against Native American women; and
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.169399.1
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that copies of this memorial be
transmitted to the secretary of Indian affairs, the secretary
of children, youth and families and the secretary of health.
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