Wyandotte Nation Chief Billy Friend, on behalf of the Tribe, signed a Proclamation Monday, April 17, to recognize Sexual Assault Awareness Month, to draw attention to the crimes of sexual violence, and the commitment to future prevention.

Chief Friend also recognized the work done by the Tribe’s Family Violence Prevention Program staff.

“We have a great group that works with our sexual assault and domestic violence victims,” Chief Friend said. “I get phone calls from law enforcement all over the area, talking about how great it is to work with our department and with these girls who do this daily. I want to commend you for what you do and the Wyandotte Nation appreciates you very much.”

Unfortunately, the problem with sexual assault and domestic violence is only increasing, making prevention programs essential in advocating for victims and raising awareness of this very real problem.

“We have been very, very blessed by the Wyandotte Nation,” said Lisa Arnold, Domestic Violence Advocate/Educator Supervisor for the Wyandotte Nation’s Family Violence Prevention Program (FVPP). “We are very appreciative of everything everyone does for us and the clients we serve because they just keep coming. The numbers keep increasing so it is very important that this program stays alive and well so that we can continue to do the outreach in our community.”

The Proclamation stated American Indian and Alaskan Native women experience a disproportionate rate of violence at 2.5 times higher than any other ethnicity with more than 1 in 2 women experiencing sexual violence in their lifetime. The Wyandotte Nation is committed to raising awareness and combating the problem of sexual violence.

“Sexual assault results in conviction only 3% of the time,” Arnold told the crowd gathered to watch the proclamation. “This is really upsetting for us as advocates dealing with victims wanting some sort of resolution or justice for what they endured.

“For our program and clients we work with, we’ve only twice had cases that did not go to trial. I’m really proud of the work that is done in our department and the follow-through everybody has. These advocates… don’t stop, they keep making phone calls, pushing, and making sure justice is met. I am really proud of the voice that they are.”

1(800) Number: 1-877-276-0669

Family Violence Prevention Program: fvpp@wyandotte-nation.org