Title
Approval of an Ordinance Relating to Domestic Violence and Protective Orders, Repealing Olympia Municipal Code (OMC) Chapters 9.56 and 9.60 and Adopting a New Chapter OMC 9.62
Recommended Action
Committee Recommendation:
Not referred to a committee.
City Manager Recommendation:
Move to approve on second the Ordinance Relating to Domestic Violence and Protective Orders, Repealing Olympia Municipal Code (OMC) Chapters 9.56 and 9.60 and Adopting a New Chapter 9.62, OMC.
Report
Issue:
Whether to approve an Ordinance Relating to Domestic Violence and Protective Orders.
Staff Contact:
R. Tye Graham, Olympia Assistant Prosecutor II, 360.753.8449
Presenter:
None - Consent Calendar Item.
Background and Analysis:
Background and analysis has not changed from first to second reading.
Domestic violence is an issue of great concern. Those who commit acts of domestic violence in front of children and who repeatedly violate court orders intended to protect victims should be held accountable. In 2017, the Washington State Legislature passed laws increasing penalties for offenders who have multiple convictions for violation of domestic violence protection orders. In the case of Violation of Protection Orders - Domestic Violence, a third conviction allows for the matter to be charged as a Class C felony.
Further, there are a number of protection orders created by the State of Washington and other states for which enforcement rules have not been adopted by the City of Olympia. Adding Violation of Protective Orders to the Olympia Municipal Code will authorize the enforcement of those orders through the City’s municipal court system.
Finally, statistics have shown that domestic violence occurring in the presence of children has a higher chance of the children becoming victims or perpetrators of domestic violence when they become adults. The City of Olympia Prosecutor’s office routinely finds children present for acts of domestic violence. Adding a sentencing enhancement that is intended to increase penalties for committing acts of violence in front of children will assist in holding perpetrators of domestic violence accountable for acts of domestic violence in the presence of children.
Neighborhood/Community Interests (if known):
There is an inherent interest in protecting the public’s safety, protecting children from violence, and appropriately holding offenders accountable who violate orders of protection.
Options:
1. Approve the proposed Ordinance Relating to Domestic Violence and Protective Orders on second reading.
2. Direct staff to make different or additional amendments to the proposed on second reading.
3. Do not approve the ordinance. This will make it more difficult for the City to hold perpetrators of domestic violence fully accountable for repeat violation of protection orders and will not allow a sentencing enhancement for the commission of acts of domestic violence in front of children.
Financial Impact:
None
Attachments:
Ordinance