FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Wednesday, March 6, 2024

Contact: [email protected]

CSVANW Calls for Swift and Transparent Action Following Allocation of $200k in State Budget to Address MMIWR Crisis

Albuquerque, N.M. – The Coalition to Stop Violence Against Native Women (CSVANW) is urging swift and transparent action following the allocation of $200,000 in the New Mexico State budget to address the crisis of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Relatives (MMIWR).

CSVANW recognizes this funding as a significant step forward in addressing the urgent need for action to combat the MMIWR crisis. However, the organization emphasizes the importance of ensuring that this funding is utilized effectively and that the resulting task force operates with transparency, inclusivity, and accountability.

“This allocation of funding represents a critical opportunity to make tangible progress in addressing the MMIWR crisis,” said Tiffany Jiron, Executive Director for CSVANW. “However, it is essential that this funding is used in a transparent and accountable manner, with meaningful input from MMIWR advocates and survivors.”

CSVANW is calling on the state to prioritize the voices of MMIWR advocates and survivors in the formation and operations of the task force funded by this allocation. The organization emphasizes the importance of a trauma-informed and culturally sensitive approach in addressing the MMIWR crisis.

Transparency and accountability are paramount in this process. CSVANW urges the state to provide regular updates on the progress and activities of the task force, ensuring that the needs of MMIWR survivors and families are met.

“As advocates for justice, healing, and safety for Indigenous communities affected by MMIWR, we are committed to ensuring that this funding is utilized effectively to address this crisis,” Jiron said. “We will continue to advocate for transparency, inclusivity, and accountability in the implementation of this funding to ensure meaningful action is taken.”

CSVANW remains dedicated to working collaboratively with all stakeholders to address the MMIWR crisis and to advocate for the safety and well-being of Indigenous women and their relatives.

For media inquiries or further information, please contact [email protected]

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CSVANW is an award-winning organization at the forefront to a dynamic approach to the tribal domestic and sexual violence fields that is demonstrating the most effective, creative and innovative ways to address and prevent the cycle of violence within tribal communities.