The purpose of this chapter is to promote the health and welfare of the Yurok Tribe, to recognize that domestic abuse and harassment are serious crimes against society, the Yurok People, and the family, and to provide the victims of domestic violence and harassment the maximum protection from further abuse which the law can provide. The strength of the Yurok Tribe is founded on healthy families, and families damaged by domestic abuse must be healed by the immediate intervention of law enforcement, prosecution, education, counseling, and other appropriate services. Violent behavior will not be excused or tolerated within the jurisdiction of the Yurok Tribe. Intoxication of the perpetrator is irrelevant. The laws preventing domestic abuse and harassment shall be enforced regardless of marital status, cohabitation or the existence of a current relationship between the parties.

With the enactment of the ordinance codified in this chapter is the recognition that the harmony of human beings with each other has been disturbed by the introduction of foreign ways including alcohol, more recently drugs, and practices in relationships which are not consistent with our traditional manners. This has brought great sadness to the people and created much disharmony. The purpose of this chapter is to offer protection for those harmed or who may stand in harm’s way and to offer a chance to those who would do harm to choose another way and to receive support in their efforts to return to harmony through the acceptance of appropriate consequences and treatment. [Ord. 62A § 1002, amended, 11/7/2019.]