Sexual Assault Response Teams (SART) Initiative in Montana
June 6-7, 2012
Acting Associate Attorney General Tony West joined U.S. Attorney Michael W. Cotter on a visit to Native American reservations in Montana to announce a multi-agency collaboration with tribal governments to establish sexual assault response teams (SARTs) in the six reservations under federal jurisdiction. The SART initiative in Montana is a pilot initiative stemming from the Justice Department's commitment to build safe and healthy communities in American Indian and Alaskan Native communities.
Blogs: Building Safe and Healthy Communities in Montana Indian Country
Other Links: http://www.justice.gov/tribal/
Charlene Johnson, Associate Director of the Office of Health Programs of the Indian Health Service, and District of Montana U.S. Attorney Mike Cotter speak during the June 6, 2012 press conference at the Crow/Northern Cheyenne Hospital announcing the establishment of Sexual Assault Response Teams (SARTs) on Montana reservations.Photo Credit: Wyn Hornbuckle for the Department of Justice
The Northern Cheyenne Reservation, home to the Northern Cheyenne Nation in Southern Montana. Photographer June 7, 2012.Photo Credit: Wyn Hornbuckle for the Department of Justice-
Acting Associate Attorney General Tony West and Northern Cheyenne Council Representative Jace Killsback during a meeting with tribal officials and court personnel at the Northern Cheyenne Tribal Headquarters, June 7, 2012.Photo Credit: Wyn Hornbuckle for the Department of Justice"We can listen and learn from one another. We can assess our systems. We can duplicate best practices. We can fashion community-based teams that can address sexual assault in a culturally appropriate manner. And most of all, we can ensure that each time a victim seeks help, they receive a timely, compassionate, coordinated, and thorough response. The SART initiative that we are announcing today is a positive first step in the right direction." -
From left, U.S. Attorney Mike Cotter, Office of Tribal Justice Director Tracy Toulou, and District of Montana Tribal Liaison Danna Jackson listen during a meeting with tribal officials at the Northern Cheyenne Tribal Headquarters to introduce the SART Initiative, June 7, 2012.Photo Credit: Wyn Hornbuckle for the Department of Justice -
From left, Acting Associate Attorney General Tony West and Geri Small, Director of the Boys & Girls Club, Northern Cheyenne Nation with one of the Club's youth, dressed in traditional clothing. The facility provides a safe haven for at-risk youth, offers prevention programs to cut drop-out rates, teen pregnancy, and youth incarceration, and nurtures boys and girls with cultural activities that also keep Northern Cheyenne culture alive.Photo Credit: Wyn Hornbuckle for the Department of Justice -
Acting Associate Attorney General Tony West listens to Kim Dahle, Administrator of the Juvenile Detention Facility in Busby, Montana, during a tour of the facility on June 7, 2012.Photo Credit: Wyn Hornbuckle for the Department of Justice
