Transcript We Are Still Relatives Sexual Abuse in Later Life Cristine Davidson Minnesota Indian Women’s Sexual Assault Coalition.

We Are Still Relatives
Sexual Abuse
in Later Life
Cristine Davidson
Minnesota Indian Women’s
Sexual Assault Coalition
Our Worldview
• Traditionally, Native people
hold reciprocity, sharing,
family, and Community in
very high regard
• Our clan system was and is
our form of government and
natural consequences were
and are effective
• Native worldview is based on
respect for all living things,
especially our Elders
because they carry our
history and have survived so
much for us
• Deep protection of family
from historical experiences
• We rarely institutionalize our
Elders- multiple generations
living in the home is very
common
• We recognize all forms of
abuse as a result of many
generations enduring
colonization, boarding school
abuse, and a loss of culture
and identity
• Multi-generational shame,
fear, anger, guilt, historical
abuse dynamics all play role
• We cannot assume that an
Elder identifies as abused, or
the outcome they may desire
Tribal Elder Abuse
• Its been estimated that close
to 80% are immediate family
members such adult
children, grandchildren,
spouses1
• Extended family is often in
the home as well, and not
considered “extended”
• Definitions may include
unwanted child care, spiritual
abuse, medication issues, or
resource abuse such as
firewood or other benefits
received by the Elder
• Stats from the NCEA say
79% goes unreported, less
than 1 in 6 reported by family
• Poverty, unemployment, &
caretakers feeling
overwhelmed as primary
causes of elder abuse and
neglect2
• Substance abuse and
turning away from, or lack of
access to traditional lifeways
may also be factors
• This speaks to the invisibility
of Native people, the stress
of surviving
What Now
• Don’t assume
• Be mindful of our history,
mistrust, protection of our
own, and other complexities
• Involve Elders with people
familiar with Native customs
and worldviews to reduce
isolation
• Statutes, codes, policies and
procedures are being
developed in Tribal Nations
nationwide- ASK!