Across the Indian Health Service, healthcare professionals are strengthening their ability to recognize, respond to, and support individuals affected by domestic violence. Through specialized training, community outreach, and partnerships, IHS, Tribal, and urban Indian health programs are expanding opportunities to provide informed, compassionate, and culturally responsive care.
Domestic violence continues to affect American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) communities at disproportionately high rates. According to the Department of Justice National Institute of Justice, more than 4 in 5 AI/AN women have experienced violence during their lifetime.
This year’s Domestic Violence Awareness Month theme, With Survivors, Always, emphasizes moving beyond awareness to action. For health care professionals, that includes recognizing domestic violence, responding to survivors’ needs, and providing appropriate care and resources.
At the Northern Navajo Medical Center (NNMC), they have expanded their domestic violence outreach to schools, chapter houses, and community events, with a particular focus on reaching teenagers. Staff also participate in events, such as the Shiprock Fair and the Holiday parade, to share information about domestic violence and available resources.
Throughout October, NNMC has also organized activities to increase awareness and encourage community involvement, including purple ribbon displays, a bike ride, and an awareness walk. The team is hosting “Talk N’ Tea” sessions with healthcare staff, and Hózhó and Hope nights, which provide opportunities for survivors to connect through food, creative activities, and healing.
In addition to community outreach, two NNMC nurses recently completed 45.05 hours of continuing education through the Interpersonal Violence Examiner Course to better recognize and respond to the needs of individuals affected by domestic violence.
This free, online, self-paced course is offered through a contract with the Indian Health Service Forensic Nursing Consultation Program and the Texas A&M University Center of Excellence in Forensic Nursing. It is available to registered nurses, advanced practice registered nurses, physician assistants, and physicians working in IHS, Tribal, and urban Indian health programs.
Through completion of the course, eligible participants can earn 45.05 continuing education hours for nurses or 28 continuing medical education hours. The course covers intimate partner violence, substance use disorders, trauma-informed care, and culturally responsive approaches to caring for individuals affected by violence.
Helpful resources and tools:
- IHS, Indian Health Manual, Part 3, Chapter 31: Intimate Partner Violence
- A National Protocol for Intimate Partner Violence Medical Forensic Examinations – A National Protocol for Intimate Partner Violence Medical Forensic Examinations
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StrongHearts Native Helpline:
- StrongHearts Native Helpline | Home (strongheartshelpline.org)
- 1-844-7NATIVE (762-8483)
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National Domestic Violence Hotline:
National Domestic Violence Hotline (thehotline.org)
- Call 1-800-799-SAFE (7233)
- TTY 1−800−787−3224 or (206) 518-9361 (Video Phone Only for Deaf Callers)
- National Network to End Domestic Violence (NNEDV): DVAM 2026: With Survivors, Always | Domestic Violence Awareness Project
- Please visit the IHS Forensic Healthcare and the Domestic Violence Prevention (DVP) webpages for more information on domestic violence.
