News Release

WASHINGTON, D.C. – A grant from the U.S. Department of Justice to the Coeur d’Alene Tribe comes just in time to keep its domestic violence prevention and intervention program operational, announced Idaho Senator Mike Crapo, a member of the Senate Indian Affairs Committee. “This is welcome news for Native American women and children in Benewah and Kootenai County and the surrounding areas,” said Crapo. “Native American women experience significantly higher rates of violence than other population subgroups. Monies like this grant are much-needed and the return cannot be measured in dollars. I’m pleased to support this successful program and congratulate the Tribe on its efforts to obtain this grant.”

"The Coeur d'Alene people are most appreciative for the STOP Violence Against Women grant award because without it we would not be able to provide victim services to those in domestic violence situations on the Coeur d'Alene Indian reservation,” said Bernie LaSarte, Program Manager. “As the Program Manager and victim advocate, I will continue to serve victims of domestic violence, educate our community about domestic violence, and continue to collaborate with neighboring domestic violence programs in the pursuit to end the cycle of violence for all. " “Coeur d’Alene Tribal Council is happy to see the Senator supports a no tolerance policy against violence, and this grant will help ensure there is an advocate available to victims of violence, ” said Chairman Chief Allan. The STOP Violence Against Indian Women Discretionary Grant Program assists Indian tribal governments in developing and strengthening tribal justice systems’ responses to violent crimes committed against Indian women. The program supports innovative strategies to provide services to Indian women who are the victims of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault and stalking. The grant will allow the Tribal program to hire a program coordinator, recruit volunteers, purchase literature and office supplies, expand hours and provide training to improve the identification and response to women who become victims of violence.

Services will be provided to the Native population and non-Native family members of the Coeur d’Alene Reservation.

Senator Crapo, a longtime advocate for domestic violence awareness and prevention in Idaho, voted in favor of the Violence Against Women Act reauthorization in 2005 which includes a new title specifically focused on decreasing violence against Indian women. In August, Crapo voted in favor of the Indian Child Protection and Family Violence Prevention Act. This legislation expands reporting of child abuse allegations and convictions in Indian country and requires increased mandated background investigations of those working with children.