The Quinault Indian Nation and the Chehalis Confederated Tribes were among a dozen tribal entities in Western Washington receiving a portion of nearly $6 million in Department of Justice grants to improve their services for victims of crime, announced U.S. Attorney Brian T. Moran. The grants range from $85,000 for the Hoh Tribe to $779,488 for the Squaxin Island Tribe.
The Quinault Nation got $168,631 to expand services provided by the Healthy Families Program with a satellite office and services to victims in crisis.
The Chehalis Confederated Tribes received $719,741 to create a Crime Victims Service Trauma Center where victims can receive services in a centralized and nonthreatening facility.
“These grant awards cover needs identified by the tribes themselves,” said U.S. Attorney Moran. “Whether it is providing emergency services for families in crisis, providing skilled interviewers for child abuse victims or providing a secure domestic violence shelter, each of these projects reflects the needs and culture of our tribal partners.”
“American Indian and Alaska Native communities face extensive public safety challenges, but through creative approaches that combine traditional methods with innovative solutions, they are demonstrating their determination to meet the needs of victims in their communities,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Matt M. Dummermuth. “These grants, part of historic levels of funding awarded by the Department of Justice to American Indian and Alaska Native communities, will provide significant resources to bring critical services to those who suffer the effects of crime and violence.”
The other grants to Western Washington tribes include:
■ Squaxin Island Tribe, $779,488 — to expand existing services and outreach to victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, sex trafficking and dating violence.
■ Skokomish Tribe, $446,234 — to expand current programs to better serve elder victims.
■ Jamestown S’Klallam Tribe, $420,119 — to establish a satellite Children’s Advocacy Center to increase accessibility to culturally relevant services including trained interviewers.
■ Nooksack Tribe: $677,152 — to expand existing services with a needs assessment and strategic plan to implement a responsive Victim Services Program for victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, dating violence and elder abuse and neglect.
■ Lummi Nation: $574,361 — to maintain a fully staffed, safe, secure and confidential shelter serving victims of domestic violence, sexual assault and elder abuse.
■ Muckleshoot Tribe: $650,000 — to expand victim services with additional trained staff for crisis counseling and referrals to trauma counseling.
■ Hoh Tribe: $85,000 — to conduct a community needs assessment and complete a strategic plan with the goal of developing a Victim Services Program.
■ Lower Elwha Klallam Tribe: $556,556 — to serve the needs of all crime victims with particular focus on providing pediatric forensic exams for child victims.
■ Puyallup Tribe: $407,408 — to expand existing services by strengthening the continuum of care for homeless crime victims and or victims with alcohol and substance abuse issues.
■ Port Gamble S’Klallam Tribe: $420,119 — to support victims of crime with a focus on service to victims with disabilities and those who have been victimized multiple times, using services that are trauma-informed and culturally rooted in tradition.
“American Indian and Alaska Native crime victims continue to face challenges in accessing vital services and resources needed to help survivors address their trauma and navigate a complex system,” said OVC Director Darlene Hutchinson. “The Justice Department has made it a priority to partner with tribes to help victims and their families rebuild their lives in the aftermath of violence.”
