b'Should VAWA be Re-Affirmed?Benjamin C. HuffmanSponsor: Dr. Lavonna Lovern, Department of Native American and Indigenous StudiesThis research examines the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) and its effectiveness in protecting American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) women as compared to Caucasian women. There are differences in how Native American Women are protected under the law when it should be equal for all women. The Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) involves significant legislation dealing with crimes against women in general. VAWA does have a provision for re-introducing the ability for Tribes/Nations to prosecute violent crimes against American Indian and Alaska Native women, which had been legally eliminated by historical legislation. The statistics from the Department of Justice appear to show that AI/AN women experience a higher rate of violence than other female demographics. Additionally, the statistics show that the majority of perpetrators are not AI/AN. VAWAs aim is to grant jurisdiction to Tribes/Nations over non-AI/AN and non-Tribal affiliated perpetrators. This research will specifically analyze the difference between Caucasian and AI/AN demographics in order to determine the strength of VAWA across demographics. Additionally, this paper will examine the conflicting arguments involving the reauthorization of VAWA and the consequences for women in general, and AI/AN women specifically, should VAWA not maintain authorization.67'