The lasting impacts of colonialism, genocide, and state-sanctioned violence on Native communities continues to be felt today. Native Americans face higher rates of poverty, unemployment, and violence. Recent data shows that the majority of Native American mothers are breadwinners for their families; yet with Native women earning about half the amount of white men, it creates an economic barrier to provide for themselves and their families. Low pay, economic abuse, and the lack of employment protections play a huge role in why so many cannot safely leave abusive situations. Therefore, long-term safety is almost impossible.
