We want to make you aware that, in light of the critical work they are doing nationally as Native Americans are disproportionately experiencing domestic violence and the effects of COVID-19, StrongHearts Native Helpline, has just been surprised with a nearly 25% increase in federal funding to help bolster their work.

The Family and Youth Services Bureau (FYSB) at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), Administration for Children, Youth and Families (ACYF) recently awarded $20.59 million. As a recipient of a portion of this funding, StrongHearts Native Helpline will be awarded $1,762,560 in 2021.

While this will certainly be helpful in providing services to those who so desperately need them, there is still work to be done to raise awareness of this urgent issue affecting more than four in five American Indian and Alaska Native women.

In October, StrongHearts recognized Domestic Violence Awareness Month with two initiatives intended to raise awareness of the prevalence of domestic violence among American Indians: StrongHearts Native Helpline encouraged several key American Indian social media influencers to wear Purple for Domestic Violence Awareness Day, also known as #PurpleThursday, which was observed Thursday, Oct. 22.

StrongHearts also hosted a live discussion titled, “Domestic Violence: Updates and Perspectives from the Native Community” on Wednesday, Oct. 28.