Non-profit launches new Native American hotline for sexual assault victims
SALT LAKE CITY (ABC4) — Utah Native Americans who are victims of sexual assault and domestic violence have a new way to safely and confidentially report the abuse thanks to a new statewide hotline.
Restoring Ancestral Winds, Inc. (RAWI), a non-profit dedicated to supporting Native American communities, established the helpline in honor of sexual assault awareness month.
Victims will be able to call the hotline at 1-833-NTV-HEAL (688-4325).
RAWI Executive Director Yolanda Francisco said the helpline will be a great benefit for the Native American community, which the National Institute of Justice reports has a higher victimization rate than any other ethnic group. Native American women are more likely to need these services but are less likely to have access to them.
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“One in three Native American women experience violence in their lifetime,” said Francisco. “Our mission is to address this disparity by providing support to Native Americans and others including those living in urban populations. We deeply appreciate existing partners who have joined us in the work to address the harm happening in the Great Basin.”
The Utah Department of Public Safety, which helped launch the helpline, said the number will be a great additional resource for victims during a difficult time. Deputy Commissioner Jimmy Higgs said the department encourages everyone to report domestic and sexual abuse but there is a recognized need for different cultural needs.
Utah Rep. Angela Romero (D) said meeting those cultural needs requires a dedicated effort that views issues through “a Native lens.”
“Ensuring that victims have access to culturally competent care is fundamental in our efforts to support and empower Indigenous communities,” said Romero.
Francisco added, “Together, our focus is to help end sexual assault and domestic violence with the realization that everyone in Utah is entitled to safety and harmony.”
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