GFW | Newsletter | August 2003 | First Domestic Violence Shelter Established in Northeast Russia

INDIGENOUS RIGHTS

First Domestic Violence Shelter Established in Northeast Russia

Tundra Women's Center, Cherski, Russia

Located near the Arctic Ocean in Russia's far northeast, the Tundra Women's Center (TWC) is the first organization in the Sakha Republic to create a safe house for indigenous women who have suffered domestic abuse. "Some women live in constant terror; others have been critically injured; and some have been killed," explains Tatyana Martynova, director of the Center.

The TWC primarily serves members of the Yakut, Chukchi, Yukagir and Even communities, who have lost the means to sustain traditional livelihoods, such as reindeer herding. In the aftermath of the Soviet Union's collapse, unemployment rates continue to increase while social services throughout rural Russia decrease. The resulting frustration fuels alcoholism, higher suicide rates among men and increased levels of domestic violence.

Indigenous women like this Udege woman, who produce traditional crafts as a way of generating income, are less vulnerable to conditions that contribute to domestic violence.

The TWC is undaunted by the overwhelming problems facing men and women alike. Founded in 1999, the group has developed a pool of volunteers, including respected elders and other community leaders, who have donated endless hours to making the center's work effective. Women who benefit from the shelter's services soon come to participate in decisionmaking in its management. This democratic approach not only improves operations at the shelter, but also helps abuse survivors rebuild their self-esteem.

TWC also provides legal advocacy to women who wish to bring their cases to court. After identifying incidents of violence against girls as young as seven years old, TWC brought a child sexual assault case to court—the first ever to reach trial. While the perpetrator serves his prison term, the children who were violated are receiving community support and psychological assistance.

To bring forward the link between domestic violence and alcoholism, TWC helped to organize an unprecedented conference in June 2003 on alcohol and drug abuse prevention. Attendees included the President of the Sakha Republic and other political leaders from the region.

In 2002 the Global Fund for Women became the first foundation to provide financial resources to expand and professionalize the vital work of the Tundra Women's Center. In addition to this initial support grant for $12,000, Anne Firth Murray, the Global Fund's Founding President, awarded two "trust grants" for $5,000. Trust grants give former Board members an opportunity to invest in the women's rights group of their choice.

The Tundra Women's Center
Tatyana Martynova
Cherski, Tavrata Street 15-30
Cherski Sakha 678830
Russia
Phone: 7 4112 42 41 49
Fax: 7 4112 24 40 46
Email: rubicon_2002@mail.ru

	NEWS FROM THE GLOBAL FUND FOR WOMEN	AUGUST 2003

Indigenous Rights Indigenous Women Forge Global Connections to Uproot Racism and Discrimination Producing Chocolate and Change Women Unite to Preserve Indigenous Culture First Domestic Violence Shelter Established in Northeast Russia Twa Women Cultivate Healthy Communities in Post-War Rwanda Letter from the President Rebuilding Lives, Reclaiming Rights Weaving Connections Among International Women's Funds Resources Donor's Perspective Thank You! Events Calendar Masthead Global Fund Home Newsletter Home	INDIGENOUS RIGHTS Tundra Women's Center, Cherski, Russia Located near the Arctic Ocean in Russia's far northeast, the Tundra Women's Center (TWC) is the first organization in the Sakha Republic to create a safe house for indigenous women who have suffered domestic abuse. "Some women live in constant terror; others have been critically injured; and some have been killed," explains Tatyana Martynova, director of the Center. The TWC primarily serves members of the Yakut, Chukchi, Yukagir and Even communities, who have lost the means to sustain traditional livelihoods, such as reindeer herding. In the aftermath of the Soviet Union's collapse, unemployment rates continue to increase while social services throughout rural Russia decrease. The resulting frustration fuels alcoholism, higher suicide rates among men and increased levels of domestic violence. Indigenous women like this Udege woman, who produce traditional crafts as a way of generating income, are less vulnerable to conditions that contribute to domestic violence. The TWC is undaunted by the overwhelming problems facing men and women alike. Founded in 1999, the group has developed a pool of volunteers, including respected elders and other community leaders, who have donated endless hours to making the center's work effective. Women who benefit from the shelter's services soon come to participate in decisionmaking in its management. This democratic approach not only improves operations at the shelter, but also helps abuse survivors rebuild their self-esteem. TWC also provides legal advocacy to women who wish to bring their cases to court. After identifying incidents of violence against girls as young as seven years old, TWC brought a child sexual assault case to court—the first ever to reach trial. While the perpetrator serves his prison term, the children who were violated are receiving community support and psychological assistance. To bring forward the link between domestic violence and alcoholism, TWC helped to organize an unprecedented conference in June 2003 on alcohol and drug abuse prevention. Attendees included the President of the Sakha Republic and other political leaders from the region. In 2002 the Global Fund for Women became the first foundation to provide financial resources to expand and professionalize the vital work of the Tundra Women's Center. In addition to this initial support grant for $12,000, Anne Firth Murray, the Global Fund's Founding President, awarded two "trust grants" for $5,000. Trust grants give former Board members an opportunity to invest in the women's rights group of their choice. The Tundra Women's Center Tatyana Martynova Cherski, Tavrata Street 15-30 Cherski Sakha 678830 Russia Phone: 7 4112 42 41 49 Fax: 7 4112 24 40 46 Email: rubicon_2002@mail.ru Photo © Alexander Panichev