Navajo Nation First Lady and Second Lady Promote Domestic Violence Prevention

Navajo Nation First Lady Phefelia Herbert-Nez at the Strenghtening Families Program’s “Domestic Violence Prevention Awareness and Fashion Show event in Window Rock, Ariz. on Feb. 15, 2019

Published February 20, 2019

WINDOW ROCK — Navajo Nation First Lady Phefelia Herbert-Nez and Second Lady Dottie Lizer attended the Domestic Violence Prevention Awareness and Fashion Show event on Friday, at the Navajo Nation Museum in Window Rock. The event was hosted by the Strengthening Family Program under the Navajo Nation Division of Social Services, for the purpose of offering and instilling hope, empowerment, healing, and resilience for Diné women, children, and men who are victims of various types of abuse and domestic violence.

“As Navajo women, mothers, and spouses we must recognize and understand the challenges that our Navajo families face every day. Many families and relationships within our communities experience severe physical and emotional abuse. Our goal is to put a stop to the violence before it begins,” said First Lady Herbert-Nez. “It begins with the healing of our homes. We need to bring our families back to the foundation of prayer, faith, and empowerment.”

First Lady added that families and communities need to work and communicate collaboratively to promote healthy practices of discipline, nurturant, and compassion within their homes.

Second Lady Lizer focused on the need to advocate for more social workers, victim advocates, support groups, counseling, and partnerships with police officers and legal assistance providers.

“The Navajo Nation needs to improve strategies to respond to domestic violence because it affects our society, especially our children. Children who witness family violence become traumatized, which can impact their education, and their physical and mental health. Survivors of abuse also suffer the consequences of lost financial support, and physical and mental health issues,” said Second Lady Lizer.  “Most importantly, we need to work to strengthen domestic violence provisions in our laws and prosecute offenders. Domestic violence has to be at the forefront of our issues in order to break the cycle.”

Friday’s event drew in approximately 100 participants and as well as domestic violence prevention and intervention programs who provided helpful information for the public.

For more information regarding domestic violence services and resources, please visit the Strengthening Families Program’s website at: http://www.nndss.navajonsn.gov/DSSPrograms/StrengtheningFamiliesProgram/SFPHome.aspx or call the crisis line at (505) 368-1157.