TAHLEQUAH, Okla. — Cherokee Nation Principal Chief Chuck Hoskin Jr. recently signed the Victim Protection Act into law after the Council of the Cherokee Nation unanimously passed the act during its October meeting.
“Councilor Candessa Tehee’s legislation is an example of closing gaps in the law, something that any tribal citizen can help do by suggesting their ideas to the council and administration of the Cherokee Nation,” Chief Hoskin said during the signing ceremony. “We have a judiciary that is very responsive to these issues and has been protecting survivors and their privacy on a case-by-case basis, but it’s very important to have this blanket statement, ensuring that no sensitive case documents will be exposed in a way that is harmful to the survivor.”
The new legislation that Chief Hoskin signed amends Cherokee Nation code annotated title 12 “Civil Procedure” to create the Cherokee Nation Victim Protection Act. The purpose of the act is to enhance victim protection by prohibiting publication of sensitive case documents on the Cherokee Nation District Court website. Similar to other jurisdictions online filings, the legislation is meant to protect victims’ privacy and safety in online records. The public can get a copy of unrestricted filings in person at the Cherokee Nation District Court Clerk office.
“Young women and men who are going through these difficult times in their lives don’t need the added stress of worrying about photos or information coming out in the future. Now we have a specific piece of legislation to refer to if people other than the victims or their attorneys are asking for court records,” said Cherokee Nation Marshal Daniel Mead.
The act was first introduced by District 2 Councilor Candessa Tehee and passed shortly after Chief Hoskin proclaimed October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month in the Cherokee Nation.
“I’m honored to work with a group of colleagues who hold these types of issues near and dear to their hearts,” said Councilor Tehee, the Victims Protection Act’s lead sponsor. “This act offers a blanket prohibition on disclosure online for these sensitive court records. Victims of domestic violence must have their dignity protected as they build new lives and move forward as survivors.”
Cherokee Nation ONE FIRE Victim Services has helped support and protect thousands of people who suffer at the hands of domestic violence with a variety of services including housing, legal and advocacy assistance.
“All the work we do here at ONE FIRE is to save and change lives. I am very pleased to see this legislation because it will only bolster the protection and care we can offer survivors,” said ONE FIRE Senior Director Patricia Kidwell Mancillas.
For more information on ONE FIRE Victim Services, visit onefire.cherokee.org or call 918-772-4260. To reach ONE FIRE’s emergency helpline, call 1-866-458-5399.