Tribal Implementation of the Violence Against Women Act

Acting United States Attorney Randolph J. Seiler has announced that a conference regarding Tribal Implementation of the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) will be held on Tuesday, March 31, 2015. All sessions will be held at the Rushmore Plaza Holiday Inn, located at 505 N. Fifth St. in Rapid City, South Dakota. The one-day conference will run from 8:00 am – 5:00 pm.

The conference is co-sponsored by Acting U.S. Attorney Chris C. Myers, District of North Dakota; Deborah R. Gilg, U.S. Attorney, District of Nebraska; and the University of South Dakota School of Law.

The conference will focus on the implementation of VAWA by tribal entities.

The Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act of 2013 was recently signed into law. Revisions in the law included increased legal protection for Native American women and other victims, emphasized the importance of tribal governments protecting their people, and enhancing the powers of tribal courts.

Featured conference speakers will explain the law as it relates to addressing domestic violence in Indian country, discuss the role of tribal elected leaders in the implementation of VAWA, and provide tribal perspectives and updates on pilot projects authorized under the new law.

Additionally, afternoon breakout sessions will address the topics of building stability in tribal justice programs, incarceration, re-entry, and rehabilitation services, tribal code development, technical assistance, and how to ensure that tribal protection orders and convictions qualify for federal prosecution.

The conference is free and open to the public.