Fearless
Five Arrested in South Dakota
February 2001
The director and four workers from the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe's domestic violence program were arrested after refusing to let tribal officials see their agency's files. The women were charged with trespassing after being arrested in the tribe's Family Violence Prevention & Services Program building in Eagle Butte. They were released after posting bond.
When tribal officials demanded access to the domestic violence agency's files, shelter officials refused on the grounds that it would compromise victim confidentiality and safety. Client files contain information on the abuser and details of the abuse. Program staff members locked themselves in the offices to protect the files and remained overnight. The next day, tribal Chairman Gregg Bourland issued an order firing all the program's workers.
Police were told to arrest the staff if they didn't release the files and leave the building. According to the Argus Leader, Bourland said, "We did not want to arrest those women." Bourland issued a gag order to tribal employees on the matter.
The domestic violence program director Janet Collins said, "in my opinion, they're making an example of my staff because we questioned their authority." According to Collins, the problem began when the tribal treasurer asked her for a list of clients' names and addresses as well as a list of alleged abusers.
"They wanted to check the names, to see if anyone was double dipping," Collins said. "But that's not a valid reason."
The program does not have income-eligiblity guidelines.
Women from shelters around the state met to show support for the arrested workers and to plan alternatives for providing services to victims. Some went to the Cheyenne River Reservation in a show of support for the arrested workers. The courageous staff members are being referred to as "The Fearless Five."
Collins said she would welcome a federal inquiry, and an audit.
Verlaine Gullickson, co-Director of the South Dakota Coalition Against Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault, said "confidentiality is a safety issue," she said. "For abused women, it's life and death."
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