The federal government is responsible for investigating and prosecuting child sexual abuse in Indian Country. But not until the last decade has it been required to publicly disclose what happens to those cases — disclosures that suggest many are falling through the cracks.
little victims
everywhere
Chapter 1
Little victims everywhere
Child sexual abuse is a scourge on Indigenous communities in North America. Some experts estimate it could impact as many as half of all children.
Chapter 2
The federal trust: ‘no justice, just unfairness’
Federal investigators and prosecutors are responsible for child sexual abuse cases in Indian Country. But as Christine Benally knows all too well, cases fall through the cracks.
Chapter 3
Tribal law and disorder
Tribal courts have limited authority to hold child molesters accountable, and tribal police currently lack sufficient resources to properly investigate cases.
Chapter 4
Pathways to justice
In the void between the federal government’s handling of major crimes and Native Americans’ limited judicial authority, tribes are forging their own pathways to healing and justice.
Moon & Sun
A centuries-old trauma
Experts say intergenerational trauma, dating to the colonization of North America, adds to the problem of child sexual abuse in Indian Country.
Documentary
Credits
Reporters
Brendon Derr, Leilani Fitzpatrick, Rylee Kirk, McKenna Leavens, Anne Mickey, Allison Vaughn
Researchers
Rachel Gold, Grace Oldham
Data analysis
Brendon Derr, Rachel Gold, Grace Oldham
Graphics
Anne Mickey
Photography
Isaac Stone Simonelli, Brendon Derr, Allison Vaughn, Rylee Kirk
Project editors
Maud Beelman, Lauren Mucciolo
Data editor
Sarah Cohen
Copy editor
Ian McGibboney
Special thanks to Gregg Leslie, executive director, and Evan Stele of the First Amendment Clinic at ASU’s Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law.