The Minnesota Indian Womens Sexual Assault Coalition (MIWSAC) is a statewide tribal coalition with individual and program membership from across the state. MIWSAC was funded in October of 2001 through the US Department of Justice, Violence Against Women Office. MIWSAC incorporated as a 501 (c)(3) non profit organization in 2004. As one of 22 Tribal Coalitions around the country formed to address sexual assault and domestic violence in American Indian Communities, we focus specifically on ending and preventing sexual violence. Our statewide membership is comprised of American Indian and Alaska Native women and allies who bring with them extensive cultural knowledge and long histories of working in sexual assault and/or domestic violence programs. They are the heart of our Coalition and provides direction in our strategic planning, goal setting, and all other major programmatic decision making. This collective decision making reflects our tribal values and strengthens the vision of the work we do on behalf of all survivors. MIWSAC strives to reclaim the traditional values that honor the sovereignty of our women and children by incorporating culture and spirituality into every aspect of program operations.
One in Three A USDOJ study concluded that 31.4% of American Indian and Alaska Native women- or more than 1 in 3- will be raped during their lifetime. Amnesty Internationals interviews with women across Indian country found that most could not think of a woman within their community who had not been subjected to sexual violence. Amnesty International: Maze of Injustice, 2006
As a tribal coalition, MIWSAC does not provide emergency or directs services. If you are in an unsafe situation or need immediate assistance please dial 911. For a safe, confidential way to talk with someone right now, please call: Rape Abuse Incest National Network-1-800-656-4673 (HOPE) www.rainn.org National Domestic Violence Hotline- 1-800-799-7233 (SAFE) ww.ndvh.org.