MMIW - what it means and how it relates to child abuse prevention
Across the United States, Indigenous people face extremely high rates of assault, abduction, and murder. Murder is the third leading cause of death for Native women and murder rates for Native women are ten times the national average. Four out of five Native women experience some form of violence in their lifetime. This devastating violence deeply effects Alaska's communities, and especially Alaska's children. We recognize that violence against women and child abuse and neglect are intertwined issues that must be addressed concurrently.
Addressing both the MMIW (Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women) crisis and child abuse and neglect requires a comprehensive approach that focuses on the root causes of these issues. This approach must include listening to the Indigenous people working to raise awareness, achieve justice, and lead community healing. To break the cycles of violence and abuse in Alaska, it is essential to provide protections and justice for Indigenous women and fund community-based solutions.
We've gathered some resources for you to learn more about the MMIW movement, and we also strongly encourage you to look to Alaska Native Women's Resource Center, Native Movement, and Native organizations in your area for guidance.
Resources on MMIW/ MMIP:
Available now: an incredible wealth of prerecorded webinars on the MMIW crisis. Topics are as varied as "Families Taking Action in the Face of MMIW", "Indigenous Representation in the Media & MMIP Advocacy", and "Housing as a Mitigating Factor for MMIW". Find all these and more at the National Indigenous Women's Resource Center
Social media: images to share are here. Show your support and raise awareness. Use the following hashtags: #MMIWActionNow, #NoMoreStolenSisters, and #MMIW
6- Point Action Plan: from the National Indigenous Women's Resource Center
TV show with MMIW Information: Alaska Daily
Movies with MMIW Information: Somebody's Daughter, Murder in Big Horn, Wind River
Podcast with MMIW Information: We Are Resilient: An MMIW True Crime Podcast
Poster: Buy the "No More Stolen Sisters"poster pictured at right here.