I was told after a meeting I had recently attended that I'm a "passionate person"...more specifically: "I appreciate people with passion." That word, "passion" can be defined in both word and deed. A person could be a passionate speaker or writer...or another could be actively passionate through their daily work and actions with hope in bringing about improvement and change. Or an entire team could all be passionate about a vision, mission, and goals to quantifiably make a difference.
October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, and it was a year ago (Oct 2025) when I posted my blog piece "Domestic Violence: So Many Reasons." I won't share stats, numbers or data applicable to domestic violence...but if those numbers haven't changed much since last year's awareness month, or if things aren't any better or are more worse for victims...how much more passion and drive does it take, or how much more time will go by before we see a difference in those numbers, or have the ability to develop effective solutions that are conducive to real change?
Will it take yet another year?
More Than Just Aware
There are things that go much deeper than social media messaging, awareness campaigns, events, marches/walks, etc. There are things that go much deeper than just knowing the stats. Not saying that those things aren't important as well, but if the people in our tribes and communities are not actively seeking help and changing abusive environments and behaviors...if victims are not reporting or getting out of unhealthy relationships and familial dynamics...if law enforcement, victim services, and penal systems aren't making critical changes or improvements...what can we realistically expect in the year(s) ahead?
Being aware is important, but so is active participation in the solutions. And if we are honest about it, we already know how DV affects and the lives of our children and families. We already know the climates and problems that cause and escalate into domestic violence. We already know the numbers and statistics. So if we've been aware, there would be corresponding actions that would reflect a change in behavior(s), a change in relationships and dynamics, a change in the systems...and we'd actually see and experience a more positive "climate change" in the health and safety of our homes, neighborhoods, schools, tribes and communities.
Wyoming's statutes define domestic abuse as: physical abuse, threats, unreasonable restraint, fear of imminent harm, and coerced sexual activity between 'household members' (spouses, cohabitants, dating partners, parents, and co-parents). Associated consequences are: Domestic Assault & Battery (misdemeanor), Strangulation of a Household Member (felony or high misdemeanor), Simple Assault & Battery (misdemeanor), Reckless Endangerment (misdemeanor), Aggravated Assault and Battery (felony) and False Imprisonment/Felonious Restraint (misdemeanor or felony).
The scenarios that lead to domestic violence and assault can be a bit complicated as we try to peel back the layers...from the surface down to the core. Most of the time, many will never see or know the core, but we know where it starts. It starts with us. It starts in the home, with families, siblings, relatives, and relationships. It starts in schools, with teasing, bullying, jealousy, judgment. It starts with addiction; alcohol, drugs, gambling. It starts with the impacts of economic and financial hardship. And unfortunately, it's also all of the above that affects our children, youth, and elders who witness, experience, and are traumatized by it.
Beyond the awareness factor, getting that reality check and being honest about domestic violence is a good first step forward, then...
Do the Thing: Report
See something? Know something? Say something! Reporting is an action step that peels off another layer and gets us closer towards finding viable solutions to all of the above. But nothing will happen if something isn't reported. MMIP Wind River has a Reporting and Tip Lines page with a whole list of tabs, links, and ways to report, even anonymously. And of course, the fastest way to report? Call 911.
There are always events and activities happening that can help us to not only be aware, but get those core understandings on the issues of domestic violence, assault, trafficking, and MMIP. Below are just a few that are happening soon.
Attend. Participate. Ponder. Sign up. Ponder. Take notes. Support.
Let's not let another year go by. Be aware. Be honest. Do the thing. Never lose hope. Find healing. We can make a difference; we can reach out and make change. There are ways to get beyond the fear and hurt in order to develop better pathways towards healing ourselves, our families, our neighborhoods, our tribes, and our communities.
Carol Harper
Project & Outreach Coordinator
MMIP Wind River
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