In a recent push for governmental responsiveness, Arizona State Representatives Walt Blackman and Teresa Martinez have demanded urgent measures to combat the epidemic of violence engulfing Native American and Alaska Native communities. According to a press release from the Arizona State Legislature, these representatives sights set on mobilizing state and federal authorities to address a crisis that has seen Native women and men face astonishingly high incidences of sexual violence, homicide, and trafficking.
Reports by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Government Accountability Office (GAO) uncovered a harrowing narrative. In 2016, Native communities reported over 5,700 missing women and girls, yet a mere 116 found their way into the federal National Missing and Unidentified Persons System (NamUs) database. “This isn’t just about numbers—these are lives lost and families shattered,” Blackman declared, pointing to the discrepancies and delays in justice for many, especially those from the district he represents, which includes the Navajo Nation.
Martinez reinforced the urgency of the situation, stating, “People in these communities need help—investigators, forensic tools," trained personnel, and victim services. Words are not enough. We need action,” as she highlighted the desperate need for resources and specialized assistance within these besieged communities.
Despite prior investigations into the matter, a 2017 GAO report revealed that an overwhelming 60% of tribal law enforcement agencies struggle due to limited resources and training, hindering their ability to investigate trafficking and violent crimes effectively. Violence rates in some tribal areas have been estimated to be up to ten times the national average, a chilling statistic that Blackman and Martinez hope to change via an increase in data collection efforts, the strengthening of inter-agency coordination, heightened funding for tribal police, and the establishment of dedicated task forces.
A news conference is scheduled for Tuesday, May 20 at the Arizona State Capitol Rose Garden, where the representatives will press further for action and bring greater visibility to the crisis. The event, set for 9:00 a.m., is open to media representatives and the public alike, signaling an inclusive approach in tackling this entrenched issue head-on. The conversation can also be followed on social media, where Representatives Blackman and Martinez can be reached at their respective Twitter handles, @BlackmanForAZ and @TMartinez4AZ.
