The Coalition to Stop Violence Against Native Women (CSVANW) is marking its 30th anniversary this October with a series of events and initiatives aimed at supporting survivors and raising awareness about domestic violence in Tribal Nations and Pueblos across New Mexico.
Founded three decades ago, CSVANW has worked alongside survivors, families, and communities to address cycles of violence. The organization focuses on kinship, cultural values, and accountability in its approach. Its work includes creating safe spaces for survivors, advocating for policy changes, and providing training for advocates rooted in trauma-informed care.
“As we launch our anniversary year during Domestic Violence Awareness Month, we honor our ancestors, celebrate survivors, and recommit to building futures free from violence,” said Tiffany Jiron, Executive Director of CSVANW. “Our work is simple and sacred: believe survivors, prevent harm, change systems, and heal together.”
To begin the anniversary year, CSVANW will hold a fundraiser on Friday, October 3 at the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center. The event will feature an outdoor art exhibit titled “30 Years of Cycle Breaking,” which aims to highlight the resilience shown by survivors and their communities. Proceeds from the fundraiser will go toward services for survivors as well as prevention programs for youth, policy advocacy efforts such as advancing the state’s Turquoise Alert System, and specialized trainings for advocates.
Another key event is the 10th Annual I Will Run for Them 5K scheduled for Saturday, October 11 at Isleta Lakes & RV Parks. This community run allows participants to honor survivors of violence or remember those lost. For the first time this year there will also be a virtual run option so people outside New Mexico can participate.
“Movement is medicine, and today, our movement is all of us, standing shoulder-to-shoulder with survivors,” Jiron added.
Throughout October—recognized nationally as Domestic Violence Awareness Month—CSVANW’s campaign theme is “Cycle Breakers Since 1492.” The campaign pays tribute to Native ancestors’ endurance while supporting current efforts by families and advocates working against violence in Tribal communities.
Statistics indicate that four out of five Native women experience violence during their lifetimes; CSVANW stresses that these numbers represent real individuals—mothers, sisters, daughters—and calls for comprehensive support beyond immediate crisis response.
Looking ahead to December 5th this year at the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center—a closing celebration will mark CSVANW’s anniversary with an emphasis on art and community while reflecting on thirty years of work against cycles of violence.
Supporters are encouraged to contribute through donations that fund survivor support services or by attending upcoming events. Community members can also bring CSVANW trainings into their organizations or share supportive messages online pledging solidarity with survivors.
