This year, the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) is subject to reauthorization. The Department of Justice has engaged in extensive consultation on this topic with tribal leaders and experts. There are several new opportunities to strengthen this important policy to improve the lives of Native women and protect their families. This year, both the Office on Violence Against Women (OVW) and the Department of Health and Human Services invites tribal leaders from across the nation to join us on December 15, 2011 at the Tamaya Hyatt Regency on the Santa Ana Pueblo, NM, for our sixth Annual Tribal Consultation.

The purpose of the consultation is to solicit recommendations from tribal government leaders on the following three topics.

• Administering grant funds appropriated for tribal governments and programs created to benefit tribal governments by the original Violence Against Women Act and subsequent legislation.
• Enhancing the safety of Indian women from domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking.
• Strengthening the Federal response to crimes of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking.

OVW hopes that tribal leaders from across the nation will join us on the Santa Ana Pueblo, NM, to share their recommendations about how we can work together to end violence against women.

Please note that the Tribal Justice, Safety and Wellness Session #14 will be held on December 13 - 16, 2011 at the same location. Please visit their website for details on that event and to register.