Vice President Joe Biden called on Native American leaders to continue fighting what he called an `` epidemic '' of domestic violence on tribal lands and throughout the United States . Biden tailored the message of the White House 's `` It 's On Us '' campaign against sexual assault to address the disproportionately high rate of domestic violence in Native American communities , emphasizing the need for bystander intervention and community action during the White House Tribal Nations Conference . Native American women face the highest rate of domestic violence and abuse in the U.S. `` It 's not about vigilantism , it 's about intervening , '' Biden said . `` To me it 's the definition of manhood . It 's not standing by and saying , 'Well , it 's a family affair . ' '' Biden 's remarks come as tribal authorities prepare to take on new authority in March 2015 to prosecute non-Native Americans who perpetrate domestic violence on tribal lands , which was included in the reauthorization of the Violence Against Women Act last year . The Vice President emphasized that it 's now up to tribal governments to use their new authority to `` enforce the law , prosecute and stand for the women who have for too long endured not just injustice , but indifference . '' Attorney General Eric Holder , who spoke after Biden at the conference , said already three tribes are part of a pilot program this year that has charged more than 20 non-Indians in domestic violence cases and touted increased collaboration between federal officials and tribal authorities . Biden spoke passionately about domestic violence and even reenacted calls he said he heard while visiting the National Domestic Violence Hotline . `` The most horrific prison on earth is the four walls of an abused woman 's home . And far too many Native American women , for far too many , that 's a daily reality , '' Biden said . `` I apologize for it taking so long , so many women damaged in the meantime . ''
Vice President Joe Wilson spoke Wednesday at the White House Tribal Policy Forum . He highlighted the high rate of domestic violence among Native Americans . Biden 's messaged tied into the White House 's ' It 's on us ' campaign .