11/02/09

POCATELLO, Idaho (AP) _ The Shoshone-Bannock Tribes have been
awarded a federal grant to support victims of domestic violence on
the Fort Hall Reservation.

The U.S. Department of Justice Office on Violence Against Women
is providing $500,000 to the tribes.

The Idaho State Journal reports the money will be used to fund a
women's shelter and to provide transitional assistance to victims
of domestic violence.

The money will also pay to contract a judge specializing in
domestic violence cases to be available as needed in Tribal Court.

Victims of Crime Assistance Coordinator Audrey Jim says many
domestic violence victims don't report their cases because they
fear retaliation by the perpetrator and the social stigma of
domestic violence.

She says the new shelter should be open by the end of the year.
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Information from: Idaho State Journal, http://www.journalnet.com

(Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
APNP-11-02-09 1524MST<