This report presents the methodology and findings of an impact evaluation of Indian tribal programs intended to assist law enforcement and prosecution efforts to develop and strengthen strategies to combat violent crimes against women, as well as strategies for victim services in such cases.
In fiscal year 1995, 14 tribal governments received funding under the Violence Against Women Act, designated as STOP (Service, Training, Officers, Prosecutors). The evaluation was conducted by using a case study approach. The first step of the evaluation involved historical and legal research on each tribe, as well as requests for specific information from the 14 tribal grantees about their programs. STOP grant progress reports, financial records, narrative reports on grant activities, implementation plans, and copies of tribal legislative codes, protocols, and policies toward violence against Indian women were obtained from the grantees. Additionally, a survey was sent to all grantees. The evaluation found that the STOP program is making a significant impact on violent crimes against Indian women in Native communities. The grants have empowered Native communities in the development of community-centered approaches as well as tribally specific customs and practices to combat violent crimes against Indian women. The grant recipients have made significant advances in the effort to protect abused Indian women and hold offenders accountable for their crimes. These advances have primarily resulted from coordinated, community-based efforts. Grantees have shown the effectiveness of a coordinated approach in stopping the cycle of violence in many Indian homes. By bringing together police officers, prosecutors, judges, victim service personnel, tribal leaders, and interested community members, STOP grantees are drawing on indigenous and American concepts of justice and community wellness to stop the abuse of women in their communities. The community-centered goals of the STOP program have complemented many tribal communities that favor community-oriented methods for responding to violent crimes against Indian women. The evaluation yielded recommendations pertinent to coordinated community responses, victim services, law enforcement efforts, prosecution efforts, and discretionary spending. 6 tables and a 54-item bibliography