Native Community Development Associates (NCDA)

"solution driven services through education, training, and support"

Domestic Violence

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Domestic violence has a substantial impact on numerous families and relationships each year. As per Kassel (2023), “Data indicates that approximately 10 million individuals in the United States are affected by domestic violence each year” (Kassel, 2023, para. 2). The alarming number of individuals impacted by domestic violence may be higher than reported, considering those who do not disclose their abuse. It is important to remember that domestic violence can affect anyone, regardless of socioeconomic status, race, gender, or other factors.

According to Kassel (2023), “Data from the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence indicates that 1 in 4 women and 1 in 9 men have experienced some form of physical violence, sexual abuse, or stalking by an intimate partner” (Kassel, 2023, para. 3). This highlights the widespread impact of domestic violence and the urgent need to address this issue. Domestic violence is a complex issue that involves a pattern of abusive behaviors used by one partner to gain and maintain power and control over another. It encompasses a range of abusive actions, including sexual, mental, physical, and financial exploitation. This type of abuse can have long-lasting and detrimental effects on the victim’s well-being.

Reporting instances of domestic violence can be an incredibly daunting task, as victims often grapple with profound feelings of fear, helplessness, and entrapment. The presence of emotional manipulation and coercion further compounds the challenges faced when attempting to report such instances. In the context of domestic violence, perpetrators often engage in insidious behavior, intentionally concealing their abusive actions to avoid detection. This covert nature of abuse within familial settings presents a significant challenge for identification and intervention, as it necessitates a comprehensive understanding of the intricate and multifaceted dynamics at play.

The complexities involved in identifying and addressing domestic violence highlight the need for specialized knowledge and sensitivity in dealing with such cases. Understanding and being able to identify signs of domestic violence is crucial for individuals and communities. These signs may include an overwhelming fear of one’s partner, constantly making excuses for the mistreatment experienced, feeling an intense fear of leaving the relationship, feeling helpless, facing threats and intimidation, being unjustly blamed for issues, and enforced isolation from friends, family, and support networks, among other noticeable behaviors. Recognizing these signs can help individuals seek the support and assistance they need. Individuals experiencing domestic violence are strongly advised to seek assistance and make contact with local law enforcement authorities.

Reference:

Kassel, G. (2023). How Common is Domestic Violence? Healthline.             https://www.healthline.com/health/how-common-is-domestic-violence

Elder Abuse in the United States

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Elder abuse is an increasingly concerning issue in the United States, with around five million American elders experiencing abuse each year (Nursing Home Abuse Center, n.d.). Many elders in the United States endure abuse in nursing facilities or at home, facing challenges in seeking protection, reporting their abuse, and dealing with manipulation, threats, and intimidation by those who are required to care for them. Elders who experience abuse will endure physical and emotional effects, which will cause them to be fearful and not trusting of others (Nursing Home Abuse Center, n.d., para. 2).

Elder abuse is a serious issue that impacts many families, leading to constant worry about the well-being of their elderly relatives and often necessitating the search for alternative care options. This abuse can take various forms and is usually perpetrated against elders due to their financial status, gender, disability, health, and other vulnerabilities. The impact of elder abuse extends beyond the immediate victims, affecting entire families and communities. Elderly individuals may face deprivation of fundamental necessities and could be subjected to various forms of abuse, including sexual, physical, financial, emotional, and psychological exploitation. The effects of elder abuse can lead to elderly individuals being hospitalized or even result in death.

Those who often commit elder abuse are family members, nursing staff, or other residents who are in elderly homes (Nursing Home Abuse Center, n.d.). It’s crucial to recognize the signs of elder abuse. Physical indicators may involve bruises, injuries, cuts, sores, unsanitary living conditions, weight loss, or other unusual physical signs. In terms of behavior, indicators may include social isolation, lack of family interaction, disinterest in everyday activities, fear, or anxiety (National Council on Aging, 2024).

Elder abuse constitutes an enduring societal concern within the United States, commonly characterized by the underreporting of mistreatment due to the vulnerable nature of the elderly population. In cases where elder abuse is suspected, it is imperative to engage with pertinent authorities and support systems. This may include notifying local law enforcement, involving adult protective services, securing legal counsel, or seeking assistance from professionals specializing in elder abuse. These measures are essential for safeguarding the welfare and rights of elderly individuals, addressing instances of mistreatment, and ensuring the delivery of appropriate support and intervention.

References:

National Council on Aging. (2024). Get the Facts on Elder Abuse. https://www.ncoa.org/article/get-the-facts-on-elder-abuse

Nursing Home Abuse Center. (n.d.). Nursing Home Abuse and Neglect Statistics Explained.             https://www.nursinghomeabusecenter.com/nursing-home-            abuse/statistics/#:~:text=According%20to%20the%20National%20Council,physical%20e          ffects%20on%20older%20adults.

Drug Usage Among Juveniles in the United States: A Growing Concern

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Understanding substance abuse is crucial. According to the National Cancer Institute (n.d.), “Substance abuse is defined as the use of illegal drugs, the use of prescription, over-the-counter drugs, or alcohol for purposes other than those for which they are meant to be used or in excessive amounts. Substance abuse may lead to social, physical, emotional, and job-related problems” (National Cancer Institute, para.1, n.d.).

First, it’s a matter of concern that alcohol, marijuana, and tobacco are frequently used by juveniles (MedlinePlus, n.d.). This prevalence should motivate us to understand and address the underlying reasons. The reasons for juveniles using drugs are that juveniles may turn to drugs for a variety of reasons, including peer pressure, experimentation, family influences, academic and sports goals, to feel good, and to feel better. Understanding these diverse reasons can help us approach the issue with empathy and understanding. Youth who are at high risk for using drugs may experience problems such as a family history of substance use, childhood sexual abuse, mental health issues, parental substance use, family rejection of sexual orientation or gender identity, poor parental monitoring, and favorable parental attitudes towards the behavior (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, n.d.).

It is essential to recognize the signs of drug use among juveniles. Several signs may indicate drug use among youth, including changes in friends, self-isolation, losing interest in favorite activities, neglecting responsibilities, lying, stealing, family issues, academic problems such as failing grades, mood changes, poor concentration, slurred speech, lack of coordination, and memory loss. Identifying these signs is crucial for early intervention and support (MedlinePlus, n.d.).

Due to drug use among juveniles, there are crimes related to drug use among juveniles, such as theft, burglary, and robberies. Juveniles who are substance users will engage in criminal activities to support their drug addiction. According to the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention (n.d.), “Gangs, drug trafficking, prostitution, and growing numbers of youth homicides are among the social and criminal justice problems often linked to adolescent substance abuse” (Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention, para. 12, n.d.). There were 80 percent of youth in state juvenile justice systems who were under the influences of drugs or alcohol when committing a crime, were arrested by law enforcement for a drug or alcohol related offense, did not test negative for drugs, and admitted to juvenile justice personal to having a drug addiction or substance abuse problem or had other issues comparable to these. There are 1.9 to 2.4 million youth in the United States in the Juvenile Justice System who have substance abuse or addiction issues. Out of 1.9 to 2.4 million youth experiencing substance abuse or addiction issues, there are only 68,000 that receive treatment. (Child Crime Prevention & Safety Center, n.d., para. 1).

Lastly, the Juvenile Justice system helps juveniles through therapy, family counseling, mentoring programs, education programs, and prevention programs, assessing them through drug courts, rehabilitation programs, and other services and programs tailored to each juvenile’s needs.

Addressing Human Trafficking in Native American Communities: Awareness and Prevention

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Human trafficking constitutes a significant challenge within Native American communities. Research conducted by Nikkel and Parker in 2022 revealed that a noteworthy 40% of Native American or First Nation women have been identified as survivors of sex trafficking. This finding underscores the pressing need for targeted interventions to address this specific issue within these communities.

Human trafficking is a crime that involves the use of force, coercion, or fraud to obtain labor or sexual services. There are various methods that traffickers use to traffic people, including manipulation, threats, or offering opportunities to earn money. Many Native American individuals are trafficked within the United States and abroad, including in Canada. The risk factors of trafficking victims in Native American communities include prior sexual victimization, poverty, and homelessness (U.S. Department of Justice, pg. 4, 2017). There are other risk factors, such as weakened family and friend structure, substance abuse, or educational disadvantages.

Human trafficking within Native American communities remains a significantly underreported concern. The lack of resources and initiatives aimed at addressing this issue has resulted in sustained challenges within these communities. This issue is particularly grave for Indigenous people, who face an elevated risk of being trafficked due to historical mistreatment and racism (U.S. Department of Justice, para. 2, 2024).

Native American communities play a vital role in addressing human trafficking issues. It is crucial for Native American communities to host workshops that educate and empower community members to recognize and respond to signs of human trafficking. Additionally, creating targeted campaigns can effectively inform community communities about the dangers and warning signs of human trafficking. By coordinating these efforts, community leaders can enhance awareness and mobilize support to combat human trafficking within Native American communities.

Employing all available resources to combat human trafficking is imperative. It is essential to bolster tribal policies aimed at the prevention of human trafficking and the provision of support for its victims. The implementation of community-based initiatives can significantly contribute to the prevention of human trafficking. The provision of education and economic opportunities for tribal members can mitigate their susceptibility to trafficking. Furthermore, offering services to aid tribal members who have been trafficked or who exhibit vulnerabilities that may predispose them to victimization represents another pivotal approach to combating human trafficking.

To combat human trafficking, it is imperative to establish collaborative partnerships with law enforcement and tribal authorities to address instances of human trafficking within Native American communities proactively. This necessitates the development of comprehensive protocols for handling human trafficking cases and accurately identifying victims. Providing victim-specific services, including legal support and other vital resources aimed at aiding human trafficking survivors, is of paramount importance. Recognizing the gravity of human trafficking, tribal authorities within Native American communities, along with federal authorities, have underscored the urgency of implementing trafficking statutes within their communities. Furthermore, it is crucial to deliver culturally sensitive victim assistance and to train law enforcement and other pertinent professionals on identifying and responding to victims (U.S. Department of Justice, pg. 1, 2017).

References:

Blue Campaign. (n.d.). What is Human Trafficking?                                                 https://www.dhs.gov/blue-campaign/what-human-trafficking

Nikkel, M., & Parker, L. (2022). Human Trafficking in Native American Communities. The Exodus Road.                                                                                                                                                   https://theexodusroad.com/human-trafficking-in-native-american-communities/

U.S. Department of Justice. (2024). Who is the most vulnerable to human trafficking?      https://cops.usdoj.gov/html/dispatch/04-            2024/human_trafficking.html#:~:text=Indigenous%20people%2C%20including%20Ame           rican%            20Indians,mistreatment%20of%20these%20marginalized%20communities.

U.S. Department of Justice. (2017). Human Trafficking (Including Sex Trafficking) of American Indians and Alaska Natives.        https://www.justice.gov/ovw/page/file/998081/dl#:~:text=Many%20have%20pointed%20          to%20the,that%20the%20problem%20is%20significant.

The Impact of Historical Trauma on Crime Rates and How to Address It

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The impact of historical trauma on crime rates is a complex and persistent issue that affects multiple generations and different cultural groups. This type of trauma often stems from experiences of war, slavery, and colonization, leading to increased levels of trauma within these communities. This long-lasting effect can contribute to higher crime rates and social challenges within these groups. Historical trauma refers to the intergenerational transmission of trauma within families and communities due to past experiences of unjust treatment and adversity. This trauma can manifest in various social and economic challenges, affecting the well-being and opportunities of those impacted. Families and communities dealing with historical trauma may face ongoing discrimination, persistent violence, and disproportionately high rates of crime, leading to a cycle of disadvantage and hardship for generations.

Individuals who have undergone historical trauma, such as colonization, slavery, or war, may encounter challenges such as increased rates of substance abuse, mental health issues, and persistent exposure to violence within their communities. This can often contribute to higher crime rates and a cycle of trauma within these populations. Furthermore, due to the systemic impact of historical trauma, cultural groups affected may face harsher penalties within the criminal justice system, leading to limited access to essential support services and rehabilitation programs, perpetuating the cycle of trauma and hindering their ability to heal and recover. Individuals of historical trauma may also experience discrimination within the criminal justice system.

Historical trauma can lead individuals to engage in risky behaviors, eventually leading to an arrest by law enforcement and entering the criminal justice system. This type of trauma can manifest in ways such as violent behavior and a deep-seated mistrust of institutions such as the criminal justice system, education system, or healthcare providers. It can also result in mental health disorders like anxiety or depression, which may lead to suicide or ongoing dangerous behaviors, ultimately contributing to increased crime rates.

It is essential to confront the issue of historical trauma by implementing tailored services to support individuals affected by it. Offering services that prioritize trauma and cultural sensitivity can contribute to a reduction in crime rates. Community-based interventions have the potential to facilitate positive outcomes for those impacted by historical trauma, primarily by fostering opportunities for healing. It is imperative for community-based initiatives to acknowledge the repercussions of historical trauma and ensure its proper management for crime reduction.

In conclusion, implementing policies targeting historical trauma is of the utmost importance. Investing in mental health services and educational programs is integral in fostering empowerment. Equally significant are economic opportunities, as they can ensure avenues for individuals impacted by historical trauma. Engagement with the community and the implementation of community-based interventions are crucial in promoting success and addressing the effects and underlying causes of historical trauma.

Reference:

SAMHSA’S Gains Center for Behavioral Health and Justice Transformation. (n.d.). How Being Trauma-Informed Improves Criminal Justice Responses.                                                                           https://healthandlearning.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/Historical-Trauma- SAMHSAs-Gains-Center.pdf

Connect With Us

Native Community Development Associates
P.O. Box 403
New Laguna, NM 87038

P: 505-259-2095
E: melissa@nativecda.org

About Our Logo

Our logo has two feathers that represent the mother and father who I give thanks and praise to, everyday through prayer. The feathers joined at the bottom represent the strength of our mother and father to carry the weight of the world in hopes that we will do what is right and just. The round circle in the logo represents the Earth. The recycle icon in the center of the Earth represents the thought that we should not acquire knowledge and skills only to be kept by our own being, but to share what we have learned with others.