Áwtni Shixwit iníit
Previously known as the Victim Resource Program, the mission of Áwtni Shixwit iníit (ASI) is to assist and identify the needs, strengths, safety, and well-being of survivors. We aim to offer survivor-centered and trauma-informed services that encompass both traditional and cultural healing methods.
We help Native American women, men, 2 spirit, children, elders, adolescents, and families who have been victim to crime or are survivors of crime.
Services
We support and empower individuals who have been affected by crime. We are here to provide a range of services such as advocacy, referrals, financial empowerment, crisis management, emergency survivor services, and youth engagement. All services are voluntary.
Provided Services
Provided services include:
- Advocacy
- Community-based referrals
- MMIP support (varies by grant)
- Emergency assistance
- Court advocacy (no legal advice)
- Cultural services
In the near future, ASI will establish two family rooms for up to 8 people and 2 single rooms for up to 3-4 women. The shelter will have staff available 24/7 for supportive advocacy, safety planing, and shelter services. Opening date to be determined.
Eligibility
Eligibility is for individuals who have been affected by:
- Domestic Violence
- Sexual assault or abuse
- Dating violence
- Stalking
- Human trafficking
- Missing and Murdered Indigenous People (MMIP)(varies by grant)
- Elder abuse
- General crime
Warning Signs of Abuse
Abuse is a series of behaviors used by an individual to gain or maintain power and control over another individuals. Abuse comes in many forms, and not every situation shows the same signs. However, here are some common signs to watch for:
- Showing jealousy of friends or time spent away
- Preventing you or discouraging you from seeing friends, family members, or peers
- Controlling your decisions, including those about appearance, working, or attending school
- Controlling your finances, such as taking your money or refusing to provide money for expenses
- Insulting, humiliating, demeaning, or shaming you, especially in public
- Blaming you for everything bad that happens
- Pressuring you to use drugs or alcohol
- Pressuring you into sex or to perform sexual acts you are not comfortable with
- Intimidating you with threatening looks or actions
- Harming or threatening to harm you, your family members, or your pets
- Destroying your belongings or home
REDgalia
ASI launched the REDgalia campaign in fall 2017, with its first exhibit revealed at the ASI Trauma Informed Care Conference. ASI has had a dozen wing dresses, ribbon shirts, and modern day traditional realia made with the theme of red to honor the MMIP of the Yakama Nation. The focus of REDgalia is the create awareness and promote education about the MMIP movement within the Yakama Nation community.
ASI provides assistance and support to families and survivors who require MMIP services.
Resources
Áwtni Shixwit iníit
- 509.865.7252
Áwtni Shixwitpamá
- 509.865.5121 x7633
National Human Trafficking Hotline
-
1.888.373.7888
Text INFO to 233733
TTY: 711
This project was supported by Grant No. 15JOVW-22-GG-03363-TRIB awarded by the Office on Violence Against Women, U.S Department of Justice, Grant No. 2019-VO-GX-0067, 15POVC-21-GG-00875-TVAG, 15POV-22-GG-01316-TVAG, 15POVC-23-GG-01155-TVAG awarded by Tribal Victim Services set-aside programs. The opinions, findings, conclusions, and recommendations expressed in this publication/program/exhibition are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Department of Justice, Office on Violence Against Women, Office for Victims of Crime, and Office of Victims of Crime Advocacy.