Justice Department Awards Over $1.1 Million to Ponca Tribe for Domestic Violence Victim Services

OKLAHOMA CITY – The Office for Victims of Crime, part of the Department of Justice’s Office of Justice Programs, has awarded the Ponca Tribe of Indians of Oklahoma $1,105,966 to expand services to victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, dating violence, and stalking, announced First Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert J. Troester.  Funding will support training, equipment for Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner exams, two contracted SANE nurses, a contract for legal aid services, and emergency assistance for victims.

This grant to the Ponca Tribe is part of more than $9.4 million in grants announced by the Department of Justice today to support crime victims in Native American communities in eight states: Alaska, California, Maine, Michigan, New Mexico, New York, Oklahoma, and Washington.  The group of 16 awards is the fourth in a series of grants being made by the Office for Victims of Crime to American Indian and Alaska Native communities.  The Department of Justice has now awarded more than $26 million of nearly $100 million to support tribal victim service programs.

The awards—46 in total so far—will fund critical crime victim services, such as counseling, transitional housing, emergency services, and transportation.  They are supported by the Crime Victims Fund, a repository of federal criminal fines, fees, and special assessments.  The fund includes zero tax dollars.   

"American Indian and Alaska Native communities face extensive public safety challenges, but through creative approaches that combine traditional methods with innovative solutions, they are demonstrating their determination to meet the needs of victims in their communities," said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Matt M. Dummermuth of the Office of Justice Programs ("OJP").  "These grants, part of historic levels of funding awarded by the Department of Justice to American Indian and Alaska Native communities, will provide significant resources to bring critical services to those who suffer the effects of crime and violence."

According to OJP’s Bureau of Justice Statistics, American Indians and Alaska Natives experience violent crime at rates far greater than the general population.

"The U.S. Attorney’s Office is proud to assist state, local, and tribal officials in reducing domestic violence in Oklahoma," said Mr. Troester.  "These federal funds for the Ponca Tribe further our goal of making Oklahomans safe from domestic abusers."

Nearly 170 tribes are expected to receive funding this spring to help their communities support crime victims over the next three years.  In addition to the Ponca Tribe, the following tribes are receiving grant awards today for victim services:

• The Aleutian Pribilof Islands Association, Inc. (Alaska)
• The Iipay Nation of Santa Ysabel (California)
• The Nooksack Indian Tribe (Washington)
• The Nottawaseppi Huron Band of the Potawatomi (Michigan)
• The Orutsararmiut Native Council (Alaska)
• The Peoria Tribe of Indians of Oklahoma (Oklahoma)
• The Pleasant Point Passamaquoddy Tribe (Maine)
• The Port Gamble S’Klallam Tribe (Washington)
• The Pueblo of Isleta (New Mexico)
• The Pueblo of Nambe (New Mexico)
• The Pueblo of Pojoaque (New Mexico)
• The Sitka Tribe of Alaska (Alaska)
• The St. Regis Mohawk Tribe (New York)
• Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians (Michigan)
• The Southcentral Foundation (Alaska)

"American Indian and Alaska Native crime victims continue to face challenges in accessing vital services and resources needed to help survivors address their trauma and navigate a complex system,” said Office for Victims of Crime Director Darlene Hutchinson.  “The Justice Department has made it a priority to partner with tribes to help victims and their families rebuild their lives in the aftermath of violence."

The Office of Justice Programs, directed by Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Matt M. Dummermuth, provides federal leadership, grants, and resources to improve the nation’s capacity to prevent and reduce crime, assist victims, and enhance the rule of law by strengthening the criminal justice system.  More information about OJP and its components can be found at www.ojp.gov.