A.
The purpose of this chapter is to recognize domestic violence and
family violence as serious crimes against society, the Tribe, and
the family, and to provide the victims of domestic violence or family
violence the maximum protection from further violence. Furthermore,
the purpose of this chapter is to recognize that the strength of the
Tribe is founded on healthy families, and that the safety of victims
of domestic and family violence, especially children, must be ensured
by immediate intervention of law enforcement, prosecution, education,
treatment, and other appropriate services.
B.
It is the intent of the Nottawaseppi Huron Band of the Potawatomi
(NHBP or Tribe) that the official response to domestic violence and
family violence shall stress the enforcement of the laws to protect
the victim and to hold the perpetrator accountable, which will in
turn communicate the Tribe's policy that violent behavior against
intimate partners or family members is criminal behavior and will
not be excused or tolerated. This in turn will promote the healing
of families and the Tribe where possible, and promote cultural teachings
and traditional Tribal values so as to nurture nonviolence and respect
within families. This chapter shall be interpreted and applied to
give it the broadest possible scope to carry out these purposes.
A.
It is the intent of the NHBP and the tribal community that the official
response to domestic violence and family violence shall be that the
Tribe will not tolerate or excuse violent behavior under any circumstances.
All people, whether they are elders, male, female, or children of
the Tribe, or of the entire community residing on the Reservation,
are to be cherished and treated with respect.
B.
Domestic violence and family violence are not acceptable and are
contrary to traditional tribal culture and values of honoring the
family, and are contrary to the interest of our community and sense
of well-being and growth. Domestic violence and family violence will
not be tolerated.
C.
The Tribe finds that domestic violence and family violence imperil
the very subsistence of the Tribal community and the residents of
the Reservation. The tribe recognizes the Department of Justice legislative
findings that one in three native women is sexually assaulted in her
lifetime and that 70% of reported assaults are committed by nonnative
men against native women. A community response to domestic and family
violence is necessary because domestic and family violence crimes
and incidents impact the community as a whole. These crimes redirect
tribal resources, whether personnel, financial, public safety or other
resources, elsewhere and require an immediate response. As a result
of this impact on tribal resources, the Tribe deems it necessary to
address domestic violence and family violence to the fullest extent
permitted by laws, existing now, or as may be adopted or amended in
the future.
D.
The Tribe further recognizes that there is a distinction between
intimate partner domestic violence and family member violence. Domestic
violence involves an intimate partner relationship, and dynamics of
power and control are overwhelmingly present in the action. Family
violence is committed against all other family or household members.
