Impact Evaluation of STOP Grant Programs for Reducing Violence Against Women Among Indian Tribes

Source: (2000) U. S. Dept. of Justice, NIJ/NCJRS.

This report presents the methodology and findings of an impact evaluation of Indian tribal programs intended to assist law enforcement and prosecution efforts to develop and strengthen strategies to combat violent crimes against women, as well as strategies for victim services in such cases. The evaluation found that the STOP program is making a significant impact on violent crimes against Indian women in Native communities. The grants have empowered Native communities in the development of community-centered approaches as well as tribally specific customs and practices to combat violent crimes against Indian women. The grant recipients have made significant advances in the effort to protect abused Indian women and hold offenders accountable for their crimes. These advances have primarily resulted from coordinated, community-based efforts. Grantees have shown the effectiveness of a coordinated approach in stopping the cycle of violence in many Indian homes. By bringing together police officers, prosecutors, judges, victim service personnel, tribal leaders, and interested community members, STOP grantees are drawing on indigenous and American concepts of justice and community wellness to stop the abuse of women in their communities. The community-centered goals of the STOP program have complemented many tribal communities that favor community-oriented methods for responding to violent crimes against Indian women.