Tuesday, October 26, 2010

Native Americans women more likely to be victim of violent crime

"The chance an Indian woman will be the victim of a violent crime is three and a half times greater than the national average..." says the article.  What a scary statistic, and one that the Native American community would like to overcome.  With a new law to support them, they are making efforts to change these numbers.

This week, over 150 people in New Mexico met to discuss the Tribal Law and Order Act, a broad new federal law that will focus on crime on reservations.  The act will require training so that any officers that serve Indian Country will be able to interview sexual assault victims and collect evidence at the crime scene. 
A protocol for aiding these victims will also be established along with additional services.  They are hoping to improve the care and concern that both sexual assault and domestic violence victims are in need of. 

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/39768823/from/toolbar

Thursday, October 21, 2010

Levy to get justice?

Nine years ago, a young pretty woman was killed in Washington DC.  Now, a man believed to be responsible  for her death is finally facing trial.  Chandra Levy's body was found in Rock Creek Park, where Ingmar Guandique had already been convicted of assaulting two other women.  Because of a high profile relationship Ms. Levy had with California congressman Gary Condit, it is believed Guandique was originally overlooked as a suspect.  The entire country was watching this case and Condit seemed to be the only person who might be able to answer the question of what happened to Chandra.  Even though it is said that Guandique admitted killing Levy and had discussed the crime with numerous prisoners while incarcerated, there is no physical evidence and he has never confessed to police.  Chandra Levy's family have waited many years to see someone be held responsible for her death.  Let's hope they aren't let down by a case that has has gone in many different directions, and put blame on more than one person over the years. 

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20101017/ap_on_re_us/us_chandra_levy