>>NOTICE!<<

MIWSAC will soon be creating a book of the Barrette Project. 

We are seeking additional stories, poems, or anything you are comfortable with. 

If you would like to share your story and have it included in the book, please print off the guidelines below, and submit your story!

Download Guidelines Form to submit a story honoring a Survivor of sexual violence

• Rape, incest, prostitution, trafficking, sexual harassment, pornography, stalking and any other sexually degrading acts are sexual assaults.
  
  
• Every barrette here represents a Native woman or child that has been a victim of sexual violence. Sexual assault is one of the most undisclosed and unreported crimes in today’s society, especially for crimes committed against Native women and children. Consequently, the actual numbers of sexual assaults taking place in our Native communities are unknown.
  
  
• A study from 1999 by the Bureau of Justice reported that American Indian and Alaska Natives suffer a rate of sexual assault of 7 per 1000 people, compared to 2 per 1000 for all other races.
  
• To honor Native women and girls who have ever been sexually assaulted, whether it was reported to authorities or not, MIWSAC has created this platform where the stories of survivors can be heard in a safe way.
  
  
• Accurate statistics such as what type of assault occurred, the race of the perpetrator, and community where the assault occurred will assist organizations and policy makers in directing resources.
  
  
• MIWSAC’s vision is to continue adding barrettes and stories to this display for years to come as we raise awareness, reduce occurrences, and work to end sexual violence in our communities.