Choctaw Nation offers help for sexual assault victims

April 2024 marked the official 23rd anniversary of Sexual Assault Awareness Month – and the Choctaw Nation participated in the annual awareness campaign.

CNO government associates wore their blue jeans to participate in the Denim Day campaign on April 24 as a visible means of protest of the misconceptions that surround sexual violence.

According to the U.S. Justice Department, one in three Native American women who live off or on Native American reservations report being raped during their lifetime. By comparison, nationally, about one in six women report being raped in their lifetime.

Native Americans are roughly 2.5 times more likely to experience sexual assault compared to all other races. On average, Native Americans ages 12 and older experience 5,900 sexual assaults per year.

If you are a survivor from an Indigenous community or have a loved one from an Indigenous community who needs support and resources, consider reaching out to the following organizations:

The Choctaw Nation has a program for tribal victim assistance. The program provides comprehensive services to victims of crime. Services include emergency food, clothing, shelter, safety planning, goal planning, counseling, court system advocacy and other victim advocacy services. Simply call 877-285-6893 or go to the victim assistance webpage.

National Sexual Assault Hotline: Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network’s (RAINN) National Sexual Assault Hotline provides free, confidential, and anonymous 24/7 support by phone at 800-656-HOPE (4673) in both English and Spanish.

National Indigenous Women’s Resource Center: An organization dedicated to ending violence against Native women and children through policy advocacy and direct service provision.

StrongHearts Native Helpline is a confidential and anonymous helpline that is culturally appropriate for Native Americans and Alaska Natives affected by domestic and sexual violence. StrongHearts advocates offer support and advocacy 24/7 and can be reached via: Call or Text 1-844-7NATIVE (762-8483) or go to strongheartshelpline.org to chat online.

The nature of the Choctaw Nation is we take care of our tribal members and anyone who needs help. It has been proven through generations of the good deeds of the Chahta people. It is ingrained in this tribe to help people who are suffering and in need. The Chahta Spirit of Faith, Family and Culture will not allow this Nation to do anything less. If you are a sexual assault victim, please seek help and get assistance, there are people in your corner that are willing to help and offer you the guidance you need to help you reclaim your life.