Christopher Francisco is in New Mexico. He spoke recently with Shannon Hoshnic, Prevention Educator/Administrative Assistant and Cheryl A. Eaton, Rural Coordinator and Sexual Assault Advocate for Sexual Assault Services of Northwest New Mexico.
The primary purpose of Sexual Assault Services of Northwest New Mexico is to meet the needs of the sexual assault survivor by providing free, immediate, compassionate, culturally sensitive, and comprehensive services. Cheryl works on the Jicarilla reservation and the Crownpoint District of the Navajo reservation. She coordinates presentations with Shannon on domestic violence, stalking, child abuse, and sexual assault in Indian Country. Their listeners are Law Enforcement, Behavioral Health, Clinics, victim service organizations, Youth departments, etc…in the communities of Dulce and Crownpoint.
Cheryl says "I want every one of you to think about all the women you know. Now, consider that one of every three American Indian women in their lifetime has been raped or has experienced an attempted rape, according to the Justice Department, the rate of sexual assault is more than twice the national average for Native women. Sexual violence against Native women is one of the most devastating threats to contemporary Indigenous culture."
Their goal is to decrease incidences of sexual assault and rape in the rural communities by developing education and prevention strategies directed toward preventing child, youth and adult sexual assault.
- KBOO