HomeMy WebLinkAboutRes 1427 - Support Domestic Violence Victims Programs and Policies o 2
C �"m`�. Ali
1 906
C ity of
Washington
Resolution No. 1927
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
TUKWILA, WASHINGTON, SUPPORTING PROGRAMS AND
POLICIES TO ENHANCE THE SAFETY OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE
VICTIMS, AND TO HOLD ABUSERS ACCOUNTABLE FOR THEIR
ACTIONS.
WHEREAS, the City of Tukwila has endorsed and encouraged programs that
continue to send the message that domestic violence will not be tolerated in this
jurisdiction; and
WHEREAS, even though the majority of domestic violence incidents go
unreported, increasing numbers of domestic violence criminal cases are being reported
to the City of Tukwila; and
WHEREAS, the survivors of domestic violence and the children involved are often
unable to get into a shelter and transitional housing, and are often forced to return to
their abusive environment; and
WHEREAS, fifty percent of domestic violence cases also involve cases of child
abuse; and
WHEREAS, a Tukwila Domestic Violence Task Force has been established to
streamline a better coordinated response to domestic violence among city and
community agencies as well as to investigate additional funding sources; and
WHEREAS, the issue of education and prevention of domestic violence is an
immediate issue because in order to help stop the cycle, the cycle and dynamics need to
be identified by children, adults, and community agencies;
NOW, THEREFORE, THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF TUKWILA,
WASHINGTON, HEREBY RESOLVES AS FOLLOWS:
Section 1. No tolerance of domestic violence. The survivors of domestic violence
(including children) who are citizens of Tukwila, deserve and have been in need of a
policy mandated by the City that specifically states this City will not tolerate domestic
violence. The City continues to endorse and promote programs such as the Domestic
Abuse Women's Network illustrating that domestic violence is not tolerated in our
jurisdiction.
Section 2. City support for domestic violence policies and programs.
A. The City created and supports the work of the Domestic Violence Task Force
to improve City government and to provide community response that assists and
supports victims, and holds offenders accountable.
B. The City supports policies to assist victims and encourage community
education about domestic violence. The City endorses the acquisition of grant moneys
for the use of legal advocacy and probation to address this issue.
C. The City supports holding perpetrators of violence accountable through the
legal and court systems. The City also supports education and encouragement for
treatment for perpetrators who are not yet in the legal system.
DOM VIOLENCE SUPPORT 7/15/99
D. The City supports the problem solving efforts of the Tukwila Police
Department and their community partners to reduce domestic violence.
E. The City encourages implementing curriculum focused on violence prevention
throughout all grades including undergraduate and graduate programs, law schools,
and training across all medical professions.
F. The City supports and encourages specific training, especially in the areas of
criminal justice system (police, judges, prosecutors, advocates, corrections personnel) as
well as in the area of civil law— specifically family law courts.
G. Because to get benefits a survivor must meet certain conditions which can
inherently affect and make known their whereabouts to an abuser, the City supports a
waiver in the WorkFirst requirements accommodating domestic violence victims and
their children.
H. The City supports legislation that would provide more resources to both assist
the victim and assist community efforts promoting a no- tolerance position against
domestic violence.
Section 3. Children and Family Services. The City supports the continuation of
increased communication with Division of Children and Family Services (Child
Protection Services) as it relates to domestic violence and the need to work in
partnership to help identify and address the impacts both short and long term to
children. The City supports legislation that promotes the safety of victims and children,
which is the first priority listed in Child Protective Services' mission statement. The
City will consider endorsing legislation that promotes either additional criminal
charges when a child witnesses an incident of domestic violence and /or stiffer penalties
at sentencing because the violence was witnessed by a child.
Section 4. Mission Statement Endorsement. The City Council hereby supports
and endorses the mission statement of the Tukwila Domestic Violence Task Force:
Mission Statement: The Domestic Violence Task Force is committed to
preventing and reducing domestic abuse in Tukwila. It is our purpose to
coordinate the criminal justice system and community response to safeguard
and empower victims, hold abusers accountable, increase community awareness
and rally support. It is our objective to educate, be an effective agent for change
and to develop a comprehensive response to domestic violence.
Section 5. Support for Training. The City Council supports moves to develop
and implement programs, and endorse legislation that encourages training for all
appropriate professionals regarding the issue of domestic violence.
PASSED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF TUKWILA, WASHINGTON,
at a Regular Meeting thereof this day of ALlJ 1999.
7
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Dave Fenton, Council P sident
ATTEST/ AUTHENTICATED:
Jane E. Cantu, CMC, City Clerk
APPROVED AS ORM:
By:
Office of the 6 torney
Filed with the City Clerk: 7
Passed by the City Council: PY 2
Resolution Number L}27_
DOM VIOLENCE SUPPORT 7/15/99