The Albuquerque City Council has formally recognized Domestic Violence Awareness Month by reading a proclamation at a recent meeting. The event was attended by survivors, advocates, and members of the Coalition to Stop Violence Against Native Women (CSVANW), highlighting the city’s ongoing commitment to supporting survivors and promoting safer communities.
CSVANW announced that its Executive Director, Tiffany Jiron, has been appointed as Co-Chair of the City of Albuquerque’s Domestic Violence/Sexual Assault Commission. Jiron is currently the only Native American representative on the commission. Her appointment is seen as a significant step toward including Indigenous perspectives in the city’s response to domestic and sexual violence.
“This proclamation is more than words—it is a promise to survivors,” said Tiffany Jiron, Executive Director of CSVANW and newly appointed Co-Chair of the City’s DV/SA Commission. “As a Pueblo woman and a survivor, I am humbled to serve in this role. Representation matters. Indigenous families have long carried the burden of violence without adequate resources or recognition. I’m committed to advancing survivor-centered, culturally grounded solutions that prevent harm, improve response, and heal our communities.”
For thirty years, CSVANW has worked with Tribal Nations, Pueblos, local governments, and service providers to address domestic violence through training, policy advocacy, community education, and direct support for survivors. The organization’s efforts include developing systemic solutions such as the Turquoise Alert System, improving coordination across jurisdictions, and expanding culturally relevant services for Native women, children, and 2SLGBTQ+ individuals.
“Safety is a community value and a collective responsibility,” Jiron added. “In this moment of visibility, we honor survivors—their courage, their resilience, and their leadership. We also call on our city to invest in prevention, expand trauma-informed services, and ensure no survivor is turned away.”
Statistics indicate that four out of five Native women will experience violence in their lifetime. CSVANW emphasizes that these numbers represent real people within families and communities. The organization advocates for approaches that are centered on survivors and informed by culture to save lives and strengthen families. CSVANW also notes that having inclusive leadership at the city level helps ensure policies meet the needs of all communities.
The public is encouraged to observe Domestic Violence Awareness Month by learning about abuse warning signs, supporting local resources for survivors, advocating for funding prevention services, and helping reduce barriers to safety. More information about CSVANW’s activities can be found at www.csvanw.org.
CSVANW has been recognized for its innovative approach in addressing domestic and sexual violence within tribal communities.
