Associated Press
TAHLEQUAH, Okla. (AP) - The Cherokee Nation has received a grant of almost $400,000 to increase awareness of sexual assault against women and help prosecute violations.
The Oklahoma-based tribe is among seven agencies and the only tribe in the nation to receive part of $2.7 million awarded by the U.S. Department of Justice as part of an initiative to fight sexual assault against women.
The pilot program aims to improve how prosecutors and the justice system handle sexual assault cases.
The Cherokee Nation will receive a total of $390,544 over the next two years. Through the grant, tribal law enforcement agencies will work together to improve prosecution processes and increase safety for victims of sexual assault.
The grant will also pay for specialized training for Cherokee Nation employees who work with sexual assault victims.
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