As South Dakota marks Domestic Violence Awareness Month, advocates in the western part of the state are intensifying efforts to break the silence around abuse in tribal and rural communities. The National Institute of Justice reports that more than 84% of American Indian and Alaska Native women have experienced some form of violence in their lifetime – a rate 1.2 times higher than that of white women.

Local leaders call for cultural clarity and protection

Deanna Prue, program manager for the Trauma and Violence Prevention Initiative at the Great Plains Tribal Leaders Health Board, stresses that domestic violence is rooted in power and control, not in cultural tradition. “That domestic violence is not part of our culture. It’s not part of our traditions,” Prue said. “We need to stand up for the vulnerable, for our children, for our elders, for those who cannot speak up for themselves.” She added that abuse affects men, women, children and seniors alike.

Beyond physical harm – the hidden forms of abuse

Mariah Ulrich, an advocate with Crisis Intervention Shelter Service (CISS) in Sturgis, notes that many survivors arrive at shelters suffering emotional manipulation, financial restriction and isolation. “What we see more today is a lot of people think that domestic violence is just physical,” Ulrich explained. “It’s more like narcissism, mental abuse, financial abuse – withholding money or resources.” While physical violence remains a concern, the unseen abuse is increasingly prevalent.

Stalking and cyber‑harassment on the rise

Prue highlighted a sharp increase in stalking and cyber‑harassment, often facilitated by burner phones, fake social‑media profiles and GPS tracking. “Stalking is one of the number one domestic violence issues that’s happening right now, because people don’t really think that stalking is a domestic violence issue,” she said. “People will say just don’t answer the phone or just block them… but stalking is a form of domestic violence and that has increased in the communities.”

Barriers in remote and tight‑knit communities

In isolated rural areas, leaving an abusive relationship can be especially difficult. Victims often lack anonymity, face limited local housing options and fear retaliation. While organizations such as Working Against Violence, Inc. (WAVI) in Rapid City and CISS in Sturgis provide emergency shelter and advocacy, resources on reservations have historically been scarce.

New shelter offers hope on the Pine Ridge Reservation

Progress is evident with the recent opening of the “Where All Women Are Honored” shelter in Porcupine on the Pine Ridge Reservation. Directed by Norma Rendon, the facility currently serves women and plans to renovate additional buildings to expand services to families and men in the future.

Education and outreach traveling the region

Prue travels throughout South Dakota, North Dakota, Nebraska and Iowa to deliver prevention education in tribal schools and train local workers to recognize signs of human trafficking, domestic abuse and child exploitation. Her outreach aims to equip communities with the tools to intervene early and protect the most vulnerable.

How to get help

Anyone in an unsafe relationship or who suspects a loved one may be in danger is encouraged to reach out to the following resources:

• National Domestic Violence Hotline – Call 1‑800‑799‑SAFE (7233) or text “START” to 88788, 24/7 confidential support.
• South Dakota 2‑1‑1 Helpline – Dial 2‑1‑1 for statewide shelter, food and crisis services.
• Working Against Violence, Inc. (Rapid City) – 24‑hour crisis line (605) 341‑4808.
• Crisis Intervention Shelter Service (Sturgis) – 24‑hour crisis line (605) 347‑0050.
• Where All Women Are Honored (Porcupine) – Crisis line (605) 867‑1335.

These efforts underscore a growing regional commitment to protect survivors, educate the public and ensure that domestic violence is addressed as a serious, community‑wide issue.

Original reporting: KOTA (Gray) – local — read the source article.