Standing Rock Domestic Violence Advocate Office

The Congressionally Selected Awards Program, authorized by the Omnibus Appropriations Act, 2009 (Pub. L. 111-8), helps improve the functioning of the criminal justice system, prevent or combat juvenile delinquency, and/or assist victims of crime (other than compensation). Funds should be used for the projects selected by Congress, in the amounts specified in the joint explanatory statement incorporated by reference into Pub. L. 111-8, and generally consistent with one or more of the following statutory purposes: improving the functioning of the criminal justice system, preventing or combating juvenile delinquency, or assisting victims of crime (other than compensation). Each of these purposes is framed using language drawn, respectively, from the former Byrne discretionary statute, the Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Act, the Victims of Crime Act, and the Violence Against Women Act. This project is authorized and funded through a line item in the FY 09 Congressional Budget and by the joint explanatory statement that is incorporated by reference into the FY09 Omnibus Appropriations Act.

The Standing Rock Sioux Reservation will open a new domestic violence office. Currently, the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe has a tribal court, which hears civil, criminal, and juvenile cases and a tribal court prosecution, probation and a public defender's office. The Standing Rock Tribal Court is missing a key element, a domestic violence advocate's office. This new domestic violence office will improve victim services on the Standing Rock Sioux Reservation. The domestic violence office will address the growing needs of battered women on the reservation. The domestic violence advocate will help victims navigate their way through the legal system.

NCA/NCF