WINDOW ROCK, ARIZ. – The Navajo Division for Children and Family Services (NDCFS) participated in the Sexual Assault Awareness Walk hosted by the Navajo Nation Council on the first day of its Spring Session April 20, 2026. The walkers supported the message to stop sexual assault and let victims know they are not alone.
The walk began at the Navajo Nation Museum and ended at the Navajo Nation Council Chamber where speakers provided remarks on the issue.
Victim Witness Advocate Althea James opened with the work that she and other advocates within the Division do in providing trauma informed services. “With my interaction with victims, it starts with believing them. It starts with having empathy with them to let them know they are believed,” she said.
“I try to provide support and seek avenues within the criminal justice system,” James added.
An advocate against violence, Sonlatsa Jim, NDCFS Deputy Director, spoke about the Diné Action Plan (DAP), which addresses four modern-day monsters of suicide, substance abuse, violence, and missing and murdered Diné relatives.
“We need to reach out to each and every single Navajo citizen who is experiencing these modern-day monsters so we can provide the support and get the resources they need to them,” Jim said. “It’s really important that we continue to let children out there and families know there is a way to get out of these situations and there is support out there. You don’t have to continue this cycle. We can break this cycle,” she said.
Many DAP partners also participated in the walk.
Sexual Assault Awareness Month is observed annually in April to raise awareness about sexual violence, support survivors, and promote prevention. This year marks the 25th anniversary of Sexual Assault Awareness Month with the theme, “25 Years Stronger: Looking Back, Moving Forward.”
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