More than 4 in 5 Native American women have experienced violence in their lifetime. Trauma associated with domestic violence can have a lasting effect on a victim’s physical and mental health. To improve the health and wellness of Indigenous people, Partnership With Native Americans® (PWNA) works with Program Partners who want to build safer communities. Southwest Reservation Aid® (SWRA), a program of PWNA, offers the Healthy Living service to Partners, providing communities with hygiene products, cleaning supplies, and other important items for those participating in reservation-based services.

Our Program Partner Alexandria, with Quechan Victim Services (QVS) in Winterhaven, California, utilizes cleaning and hygiene products from our Healthy Living service to support domestic violence survivors on the Fort Yuma Indian Reservation. Currently serving 16 individuals, QVS offers support groups, crisis shelter placement, housing assistance, and other services focusing on fostering safe and independent living.

“Our goal for the group is to let them know they are not alone. It takes strength and courage for them to get where they are today,” shared Palota, Victim’s Advocate for QVS. Alexandria and Palota strive to build a sense of community for people who are isolated due to their circumstances. Motivated by her love for community, Alexandria wanted to help break the cycle of violence and give back to those in need.

One participant, Sophie*, said, “Without these guys, I wouldn’t be here.” Not only did Sophie find support from her advocates but also from the group participants while navigating the lasting effects of her trauma. “I’m still unlearning a lot. I’m trying to learn not to be afraid to ask for help and that no question is silly.”

Another participant, Marlene*, has been involved with QVS for over 15 years. She told us, “I didn’t want to come here. It was just shame over how people were going to look at me. I didn’t want to label myself as one of those people that others talk about. But I had to be strong and take the power back that my abuser had taken from me.” She added, “I had to empower myself. Now, I’m a survivor, and I help women gain their power back. I had to break that cycle somehow.”

James*, a newer member of the support group, was hesitant to join and explained, “I wanted to stay out of the system. Finally, I decided to check it out. I’ve come a long way, and I’m no longer in a domestic violence situation. Coming here is a good thing, and they provide a lot for us.”

The group shares a common goal to make a difference in their community, help others in need, and provide a judgment-free space. While taking their power back for themselves, they acknowledge the shared challenge of building trust after prolonged exposure to abuse.

Alongside the various services offered by QVS, clients also receive helpful household supplies through our Healthy Living service. Sophie said, “It really does help. There are people who really need what’s donated, and it’s important. [Donors] are also helping us learn how to trust.” James added, “Thank you, we’re very appreciative of the donations provided for victims of the domestic violence program here on the Quechan Reservation.”

Not only does our partnership with QVS provide material support to people like Sophie, Marlene, and James, but it shows that healing is possible through community engagement and that victims are not alone. In a message to donors, Palota shared, “There are people out there who struggle. We don’t give up on those people. Don’t give up on the people in the community who are in need. Thank you for serving our people.” Donate to SWRA today to support growth and safety in Native communities.

More than 4 in 5 Native American women have experienced violence in their lifetime. Trauma associated with domestic violence can have a lasting effect on a victim’s physical and mental health. To improve the health and wellness of Indigenous people, Partnership With Native Americans® (PWNA) works with Program Partners who want to build safer communities. Southwest Reservation Aid® (SWRA), a program of PWNA, offers the Healthy Living service to Partners, providing communities with hygiene products, cleaning supplies, and other important items for those participating in reservation-based services.

Our Program Partner Alexandria, with Quechan Victim Services (QVS) in Winterhaven, California, utilizes cleaning and hygiene products from our Healthy Living service to support domestic violence survivors on the Fort Yuma Indian Reservation. Currently serving 16 individuals, QVS offers support groups, crisis shelter placement, housing assistance, and other services focusing on fostering safe and independent living.

“Our goal for the group is to let them know they are not alone. It takes strength and courage for them to get where they are today,” shared Palota, Victim’s Advocate for QVS. Alexandria and Palota strive to build a sense of community for people who are isolated due to their circumstances. Motivated by her love for community, Alexandria wanted to help break the cycle of violence and give back to those in need.

One participant, Sophie*, said, “Without these guys, I wouldn’t be here.” Not only did Sophie find support from her advocates but also from the group participants while navigating the lasting effects of her trauma. “I’m still unlearning a lot. I’m trying to learn not to be afraid to ask for help and that no question is silly.”

Another participant, Marlene*, has been involved with QVS for over 15 years. She told us, “I didn’t want to come here. It was just shame over how people were going to look at me. I didn’t want to label myself as one of those people that others talk about. But I had to be strong and take the power back that my abuser had taken from me.” She added, “I had to empower myself. Now, I’m a survivor, and I help women gain their power back. I had to break that cycle somehow.”

James*, a newer member of the support group, was hesitant to join and explained, “I wanted to stay out of the system. Finally, I decided to check it out. I’ve come a long way, and I’m no longer in a domestic violence situation. Coming here is a good thing, and they provide a lot for us.”

The group shares a common goal to make a difference in their community, help others in need, and provide a judgment-free space. While taking their power back for themselves, they acknowledge the shared challenge of building trust after prolonged exposure to abuse.

Alongside the various services offered by QVS, clients also receive helpful household supplies through our Healthy Living service. Sophie said, “It really does help. There are people who really need what’s donated, and it’s important. [Donors] are also helping us learn how to trust.” James added, “Thank you, we’re very appreciative of the donations provided for victims of the domestic violence program here on the Quechan Reservation.”

Not only does our partnership with QVS provide material support to people like Sophie, Marlene, and James, but it shows that healing is possible through community engagement and that victims are not alone. In a message to donors, Palota shared, “There are people out there who struggle. We don’t give up on those people. Don’t give up on the people in the community who are in need. Thank you for serving our people.”

Donate to SWRA today to support growth and safety in Native communities.

*The names of the participants in this story have been changed to protect their privacy