“Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act”

Join our host Sonia Martinez, Esq., member of the Board of Directors for Whisper n Thunder who will be discussing the “Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act” that came into effect March 7, 2015. Our guest speakers include  Alfred Urbina, Attorney General for Pascua Yaqui, Mercedes Garcia, Deputy Prosecutor, and Oscar Flores, Chief Prosecutor for Pascua Yaqui. These attorneys will be detailing their experience in handling cases during the pilot project, lessons learned and tips for tribes moving forward.

Brief  outline on the topic: On March 7, 2013, President Obama signed into law the Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act of 2013, or "VAWA 2013." VAWA 2013 recognizes tribes' inherent power to exercise "special domestic violence criminal jurisdiction" (SDVCJ) over certain defendants, regardless of their Indian or non-Indian status, who commit acts of domestic violence or dating violence or violate certain protection orders in Indian country. . The law also authorized a voluntary "Pilot Project" to allow certain tribes to begin exercising SDVCJ sooner. This law brought about certain important changes and we invite you to listen in, join us in chat or call in with your questions and comments.