Call the Professional Resource Helpline for technical assistance related to medical forensic care
The Clearinghouse is led by Minnesota Indian Women’s Sexual Assault Coalition (MIWSAC) and International Association of Forensic Nurses (IAFN). It is designed and informed by the community and those who work with American Indian and Alaska Native victims of sexual assault. It aims to increase access to resources for issues related to sexual assault in Tribal communities like culturally appropriate training and technical assistance, victim safety, and offender accountability.
To be a valuable online resource hub dedicated to reducing the impact of sexual assault through comprehensive education, unwavering support for survivors, and proactive advocacy, fostering a world where safety and respect are universal rights for American Indian and Alaska Native people.
In 2012, Congress appropriated funds to address sexual assault within American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) communities by creating a culturally-specific national clearinghouse on sexual assault. The main goals were to improve victim services and ensure offender accountability. Supporting Our Circle: the National Tribal Clearinghouse on Sexual Assault (NTCSA) builds upon the previous work of the Southwest Center for Law and Policy and The International Association of Forensic Nurses (IAFN) who previously maintained clearinghouses supported by the Office of Violence Against Women. Most recently, IAFN maintained ISAAC, the Indigenous Sexual Assault & Abuse Clearinghouse which has been transitioned into Supporting Our Circle. Supporting Our Circle aims to reduce the impact of sexual violence by promoting empowerment and action and prioritizing cultural sensitivity and community resilience. Through accessible resources and a commitment to sovereignty, victim safety, and offender accountability, our vision is to create lasting change in Tribal communities.
