The Failure to Protect Indigenous Women from Sexual Violence in the USA

http://www.amnestyusa.org/women/maze/report.pdf

Maze of Injustice – The Failure to Protect Indigenous Women from Sexual Violence in the USA

According to Amnesty International's report "Maze of Injustice – The Failure to Protect Indigenous Women from Sexual Violence in the USA," Native American and Alaska Native women in the United States suffer disproportionately high levels of rape and sexual violence, yet the federal government has created substantial barriers to accessing justice.

This report is based on research carried out during 2005 and 2006 by Amnesty International USA in consultation with Native American and Alaska Native organizations and individuals. The research draws on Amnesty International’s interviews with survivors of sexual violence and their families, activists, support workers, service providers and health workers. A number of women spoke to Amnesty International on condition that their anonymity was guaranteed. Some have asked that certain details not be made public. In order to respect their wishes, details of names and locations on file with Amnesty International have been withheld.

Amnesty International also interviewed officials across the USA, including tribal, state and federal law enforcement officials and prosecutors, as well as tribal judges.