Building capacity in domestic violence police investigation is at the core of protecting children from sexual assault and addressing the trauma of domestic violence.

The Children's Justice Act (CJA) Partnerships for Indian Communities Grant Program (Victims of Crime Act of 1984, Section 1402(g), 34 U.S.C. 20101(g) supports American Indian and Alaska Native communities for the purpose of improving the investigation, prosecution, and handling of child abuse cases, especially cases of child sexual abuse, in a manner that increases support for and lessens trauma to child abuse victims. The funding further supports programs to provide comprehensive and coordinated multidisciplinary responses to child abuse victims and provide trauma-informed, culturally competent, holistic services to child abuse victims and their families.

Under this award, Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians requested funding to further will expand its capacity in supporting child victims of crime and to strengthen the ability to address child abuse, domestic violence, sexual assault, and neglect to address child abuse, domestic violence, sexual assault, and neglect. This funding will support, a Project Coordinator, provide educational trainings and forensic interviewing training, provide counseling, and cultural activities through a contract with Native Pride.
(CA/NCF)