37.02.050 Protection for Advocates

(a) Because of the potential for violence on the part of the perpetrator, the Tribe recognizes that advocating for those who have been the victims of domestic violence can be a dangerous situation for the advocate.

(b) Any person who harasses, annoys or intimidates an advocate for a domestic violence victim is guilty of a crime of domestic violence and may be punished as provided in Chapter 37.03 of the Turtle Mountain Domestic Violence Code.

(c) A person committing any of the following acts is guilty of an offense of domestic violence as defined in this Ordinance and may be punished as provided in Chapter 37.03 of the Turtle Mountain Domestic Violence Code:

(1) Making any written or verbal threats to an advocate for a victim of domestic violence with the intent to interfere with the right of any victim of domestic violence to obtain a Civil Protection Order or to pursue criminal charges against a perpetrator of domestic violence;

(2) Making any written or verbal threat that places an advocate in apprehension of bodily injury because of that advocate's representation of a domestic violence victim.

(d) In addition to any other penalty provided by Tribal Law, a person convicted of a crime of violence against a domestic violence advocate because of their advocacy of domestic violence victims shall be sentenced to a minimum of five (5) days in jail and ordered to pay a special assessment to Victims of Crime Assistance of $500.00. This enhanced penalty shall not be subject to suspension by the Court.