• Late last month, I met with several domestic violence advocates and law enforcement personnel to discuss domestic violence and sexual assault programs in the Sioux Falls area and throughout South Dakota and Indian Country.  The message from our conversation was that programs are working, but more can be done to continue to reduce the incidence of domestic violence and sexual assault.  While Domestic Violence Awareness Month is observed in October, this really is a year-round issue, and I would like to take the opportunity to focus on it.
• Earlier this year, I joined 67 of my colleagues in the United States Senate in passing a bipartisan reauthorization of the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA).  This measure was supported by two-thirds of the Senate--both Democrats and Republicans--including every female Senator. Despite this, the legislation was met with partisan opposition when it reached the House of Representatives.
• Many provisions in the Senate bill were added to ensure that more victims affected by domestic violence and sexual assault are able to access programs that will keep them safe from harm and continued victimization.  In particular, American Indians received additional protection in the Senate version.  American Indian women are 2.5 times more likely to be victims of domestic violence and one in three

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