Women have right to live violence-free lives

The Minnesota Indian Women”™s Resource Center (MIWRC) is a non-profit community organization that provides social services and education to American Indian women and their families. 

Established in 1984 by three local Native women and one male Native ally, its mission is to empower American Indian women and families to exercise their cultural values and integrity, and to achieve sustainable life ways, while advocating for justice and equity. 

MIWRC programs provide support, advocacy, and activities that utilize traditional teachings and other cultural strengths to encourage healing, build resilience, and counter the normalization of violence.

Departments collaborate to:

Ӣ Empower Native American women to live violence-free lives

Ӣ Provide a safe place for women to explore their life options

Ӣ Challenge systems that disenfranchise Native American women

Ӣ Create a more just environment for all women and their families

Safe Harbor Youth Program

The Safe Harbor Youth Program at the Minnesota Indian Women”™s Resource Center (MIWRC) is a supportive service program for youth ages 24 and under who have experienced sexual exploitation or are at risk of sexual exploitation.

Some examples of these services include:

Ӣ Basic needs assistance (food, shelter, etc.)

Ӣ Transportation assistance

Ӣ Job search assistance

Ӣ Culturally supportive services

Ӣ Information about group and community activities

Ӣ Referrals to other supportive programs

Self-referrals accepted.… Read the rest “Women have right to live violence-free lives”

Healing with community

Jessica entered DAP Advocate Makenzie”™s office looking for healing after a long, exhausting journey. She was finally ready to ask for support from someone.

Thirty years was how long Jessica was abused by her partner. 

Thirty years trying for a few months at a time to leave, but ultimately having to go back. 

Financial control kept her from gaining stability on her own and for her children. Her partner would cut off access to her money.

Faced with overwhelming hurdles, Jessica didn”™t know where to start: shelter, employment, childcare, safety, basic needs?

Staying seemed easier.

She could endure the abuse for the sake of her children.

Courtesy of Domestic Abuse Project

When things were good, her abuser would build her up, give her an allowance, and provide luxuries that would otherwise be impossible ”“ but within two weeks, the relationship always shifted.

Drugs and alcohol started being used as a means for power and control over Jessica”™s physical autonomy, and gaslighting was used to control her mind.

Jessica was stuck.

Years later, once all five adult-children moved out of their family home and at the time that was right, DAP”™s Little Earth advocate and other on-site community resources were available to assist Jessica as she successfully exited her abusive relationship.… Read the rest “Healing with community”