FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT
Melvin J. Baker, Chairman – 970.563.2320
Summer Begay, Communication Specialist– 970.563.2313
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: April 24, 2025
Southern Ute Indian Tribe Calls for Referral of Child Sexual Abuse Accountability Amendment to November Ballot
Southern Ute Indian Reservation – The Southern Ute Indian Tribe, today calls on the Colorado General Assembly to refer SCR25-002, the Child Sexual Abuse Accountability Amendment, to a vote of the people of Colorado this November. The amendment is currently under consideration by the full Colorado State Senate.
The amendment, sponsored by Senators Danielson and Michaelson Jenet and Representative Duran, would allow for Colorado lawmakers to pass laws that permit victims of childhood sexual abuse to bring a civil claim for the sexual abuse regardless of when the sexual abuse occurred.
“Our reason for supporting this amendment is simple. We must protect our most precious resource – our children – and keep our communities safe for all. Now is the time to get this done,” Chairman Melvin J. Baker said. “We thank Senators Danielson and Michaelson Jenet and Representative Duran for their leadership on this critical issue.”
Sexual violence against Native children is a documented and ongoing crisis. Historical federal policies mandated that Native children attend residential boarding schools, with the stated goal of assimilating them and eliminating Native cultural practices. These institutions, while failing to erase Native cultures, became sites of widespread abuse, including physical, emotional, and sexual violence.
Extensive research has identified thousands of cases of sexual abuse perpetrated against Native children by staff and caretakers at these schools. These figures reflect only reported and documented incidents; experts believe the actual number of cases is significantly higher. Presently, additional research has shown Native children experience sexual abuse at rates three to four times higher than average. A disproportionate number of these offenses are committed by non-Native individuals.
Research consistently shows that survivors of childhood sexual abuse are at higher risk for long-term psychological and social challenges, including depression, substance abuse, suicide, and experiences of domestic violence. Without intervention, the effects of this trauma can persist across generations.
Numerous barriers – legal, societal and psychological – have historically prevented Native victims from pursuing justice or confronting perpetrators. As a result, many offenders have not been held accountable and may even have continued to offend. The proposed amendment aims to address this gap by enabling survivors to pursue civil action, thereby creating a legal pathway for accountability and healing. This amendment represents a step toward addressing long-standing injustices and mitigating the intergenerational impact of trauma in Native communities.
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