BETHEL — Violence Against Women Act training is underway in Bethel for the first time since Alaska’s Attorney General issued an opinion that state officials must uphold tribal protection orders.
KYUK-AM reported that the three-day training began Monday and tribal and non-tribal judicial and law enforcement officials have gathered to learn how the Violence Against Women Act applies to Alaska Native communities.
The act says protective orders don’t need to be registered prior to enforcement.
Attorney General Craig Richards issued an opinion in July stating that Alaska law was in violation of the federal Violence Against Women Act. The legal opinion has paved way for a direct link between tribal courts and state troopers.
Officials are working with tribes to create protection orders and search warrants to ensure due process.
