National Social Work Program

National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls

VA Recognizes May 5^th – National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls

May 5^th is recognized as the National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls (MMIWG) throughout the nation. In partnership with the Departments of Justice and Interior, VA is part of a joint task force focused on raising awareness of MMIWG and reducing violent crime against American Indians and Alaska Natives.

It’s estimated that 4 out of 5 Native women experience some form of violence in their lifetime. Native women also face murder rates more than 10 times the national average. Despite efforts to raise awareness, of the 5,712 cases of MMIWG in the United States, only 116 were included in the Department of Justice (DOJ) database.

Partner with VA in raising awareness about MMIWG.

VA is actively working to raise awareness across VA and within our community. Here’s how you can help:

• Join VA in a national Wear Red day on May 5th to raise awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls
• Share these resources with fellow Veterans, family, and friends:
  • Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls Raising Awareness Information Sheet (pdf)
  • Native American/Alaska Native Veteran Resource List (pdf)

Additional Resources

For more information or assistance, please contact your local:

• VA Tribal Liaison 
• Minority Veteran Coordinator 
• Intimate Partner Violence Assistance Program Coordinator 

Need Help?

If you or someone you know would like to talk to a VA social worker to help break, contact your facility social work leader. There is a Social Work leader in every VA health care system to help you get the care you need. The social Work leader will connect you to the VA employee who can assist, contact your local VA Healthcare System Social Work Leader.

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