Olivia Potter Persuasive Speech

Summary

Deborah Parker, Vice Chairwoman of Tulip Tribes, addresses the need for renewal of the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA), highlighting its first attempt to include Native American women. She shares her own traumatic experience and the ongoing vulnerability of Native American women due to jurisdictional issues and lack of funding. The script calls for increased appropriations, clearer jurisdiction, and personal action to combat the high rates of sexual assault in Native American communities and to ensure justice for survivors.

Takeaways

• 🗣️ Deborah Parker, Vice Chairwoman of the Tulip Tribes, spoke at a press conference to advocate for the renewal of the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA), highlighting the inclusion of Native American women for the first time.
• 👶 Parker shared her personal trauma of being sexually assaulted as a toddler, emphasizing the ongoing vulnerability of Native American women due to the limitations of tribal courts under VAWA.
• 📈 The script reveals that Native American women experience the highest rates of sexual assault in the U.S., with one in three having experienced rape or attempted rape, according to the Department of Justice.
• 🔍 The lack of awareness and marginalization of Native American peoples contribute to the high rates of sexual assault, with the federal government's underfunding of public safety for Native Americans being a significant issue.
• 🚨 The Bureau of Indian Affairs is chronically underfunded, leading to insufficient law enforcement on tribal lands and difficulties in accessing forensic exams for sexual assault victims.
• 📊 VAWA's adoption by tribes is hindered by high costs and budget constraints, with only 16 out of 573 tribes having adopted it as of January 2018, leaving the majority without the ability to prosecute non-Indians for sexual violence.
• 🏛️ Jurisdictional issues between federal, state, and tribal courts complicate the prosecution of sexual violence crimes on tribal lands, with unclear accountability leading to a lack of intervention.
• 📜 Critical laws like VAWA and the Tribal Law and Order Act of 2010 have limitations that restrict tribal court authority, allowing most aggressors to go unprosecuted.
• 🌐 The marginalization of Native American women and the perpetuation of rape culture are highlighted as significant effects of the systemic issues in addressing sexual violence.
• 🛡️ Solutions proposed include increasing appropriations to the Bureau of Indian Affairs, amending VAWA to allow prosecution of strangers, and dedicating funds from sexual violence crimes to victim assistance.
• 📢 The script calls for personal action as well, encouraging the use of social media and community conversations to raise awareness and advocate for change, with the hashtag #one-in-three.

Q & A

What did Deborah Parker, the vice chairwoman of the Tulip Tribes, speak about at the press conference on April 25th, 2012?

Deborah Parker spoke in support of the renewal of the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) and shared her personal story of being sexually abused as a toddler by a man who was never convicted.

Why is the inclusion of Native American women in the VAWA significant?

The inclusion of Native American women in the VAWA is significant because it addresses the high rates of sexual assault they face, which has been largely overlooked due to a lack of awareness and marginalization of indigenous peoples.

What is the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) and why does it not fully protect Native American women?

The VAWA is a piece of legislation aimed at combating domestic violence and sexual assault. However, it does not fully protect Native American women because tribal courts do not have authority over crimes committed between strangers, which leaves many perpetrators unpunished.

What is the reported rate of sexual assault among Native American women according to the Department of Justice?

According to the Department of Justice, one in three Native American women have experienced rape or attempted rape.

What are some of the causes of sexual violence against Native American women as mentioned in the script?

Some causes include lack of appropriations for law enforcement on tribal lands, jurisdictional issues between federal, state, and tribal courts, and the marginalization of Native American peoples.

How does the underfunding of the Bureau of Indian Affairs impact the response to sexual violence on tribal lands?

The underfunding results in a lack of law enforcement and resources, such as forensic exams, making it difficult for victims to receive timely and appropriate care and justice.

What is the Tribal Law and Order Act of 2010 and how does it relate to the jurisdictional issues affecting the prosecution of sexual violence?

The Tribal Law and Order Act of 2010 was designed to enhance the ability of tribal justice systems to respond to and prevent crime. However, it complicates the jurisdictional relationship between federal, state, and tribal courts, often leaving sexual violence crimes unaddressed.

What are some of the effects of the ongoing sexual violence against Native American women?

The effects include continued marginalization, perpetuation of rape culture, life-threatening consequences, and a high likelihood of repeated victimization.

What solutions are suggested at the governmental level to address sexual violence against Native American women?

Solutions include increasing appropriations to the Bureau of Indian Affairs, amending the VAWA to allow prosecution of strangers, dedicating fines from sexual violence crimes to victim assistance, and establishing a deferential standard of review for tribal court decisions.

What personal actions are suggested to help raise awareness and combat sexual violence against Native American women?

Personal actions include using social media to spread awareness with the hashtag #one-in-three, engaging in conversations within communities about the issue, and urging local officials to take action.

What is the overarching message of Deborah Parker's speech regarding the treatment of Native American women and sexual violence?

The overarching message is that justice should not stop at reservation lines and that there is an urgent need to address and stop the cycle of sexual violence against Native American women.