American Indian women experience severe inequality in violence exposure and inequity in access to justice. This episode provides an introduction into a case study in domestic violence (known also as Partner Family Member Assault) in Montana. This episode includes opening statement from the Missoula prosecuting attorney who successfully brought about the prosecution of Edmond Lee Juneau for domestic violence. It includes the testimony of Dr. Annie Belcourt, survivor of this violence. This case took over 2 years to receive a jury trial due primarily to delay efforts made by the prosecuted individual responsible for this crime. 

As a professor, I study and write about abuse, trauma, suffering, and recovery within indigenous communities because it is in those exact dark spaces and places where hope lives. Hope lives in the decisions made each day by survivors and people everywhere to get up, feed themselves, feed their families, walk their dogs, teach their classes, write their papers, see their patients, create their art, sing their songs, and do their jobs. Hope lives in each of these decisions and moments.

Trigger warning: contains 911 audio footage and descriptions of domestic assaultive violence. Please contact help if you or a family member needs ways to find safety. Adult discretion advised. 

More info: https://indiancountrytoday.com/opinion/surviving-multiple-pandemics-in-native-american-communities