Muscogee Creek Nation expands support for Native American sexual assault survivors

Sexual violence remains a major issue in Native American communities, with more than half of Native women affected during their lifetime.

The Muscogee Creek Nation is increasing support services to help survivors heal and seek justice.

Here’s a breakdown of the latest numbers and why they matter.

600 survivors supported in 2024

The Muscogee Creek Nation Center for Victim Services helped 600 people connected to sexual violence last year. Services include advocacy, legal support, and emotional healing resources.

67 sexual assault victims in 2024

Of the survivors helped last year, 67 were direct victims of sexual assault — 29 adults and 38 children. Leaders say these numbers highlight the importance of having immediate, culturally informed support available.

22 cases handled in 2025 so far

In the first few months of 2025, the center has already worked with 22 sexual assault survivors. Of those cases, 14 involved children and 8 involved adults, reflecting the ongoing need for outreach and services.

More than 50% of Native women are impacted

National studies show Native American women face some of the highest rates of sexual violence. Muscogee Creek Nation officials stress that underreporting remains a significant barrier to justice.

Increased tribal authority

Thanks to recent legal changes, tribal nations now have more authority to prosecute crimes on reservations, though sentencing powers remain limited. This expanded authority is seen as a vital tool in protecting Native communities.

Why These Numbers Matter:

Assistant Director Tania Bardin says every statistic represents a person whose life has been changed by violence. Supporting survivors not only helps individuals heal but also strengthens the community's ability to stand against future abuse.

"The amount of children impacted by sexual assault breaks my heart," Bardin said. "We can change that, we can protect our children, and we can hold offenders accountable."

What Comes Next:

The Muscogee Creek Nation is continuing to raise awareness through community education initiatives. Leaders hope more survivors will feel empowered to seek help.

The Center for Victim Services also offers programs like SANE exams, court advocacy, wellness support, and partnerships with the Native Alliance Against Violence to expand outreach efforts.

The Muscogee Creek Nation will host an Honor Walk on May 5, recognizing missing and murdered Indigenous people. The event will acknowledge those still missing and those who have been murdered, raising awareness of ongoing violence against Native communities.