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ORDINANCE NO. 4123-25 ________ <br />An ORDINANCE amending chapter 10.16 of the Everett Municipal Code to add Exposing a Minor Child <br />to Domestic Violence. <br />WHEREAS, <br />A.The City of Everett has the power to provide for the punishment of all practices dangerous to <br />public health or safety, and to make necessary for the preservation of public health, peace, and <br />good order, and to provide for the punishment of all persons charged with violating any city <br />ordinance. <br />B.Washington law recognizes that the State has a compelling interest in protecting children from <br />witnessing domestic violence.1 <br />C.Domestic violence has serious consequences for the safety and wellbeing of residents in Everett. <br />D.According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), children witness 68% to 80% <br />of domestic assaults.2 <br />E.Studies show that witnessing domestic violence alone is sufficiently intense to precipitate <br />posttraumatic stress in children.2 <br />F.Children who witness domestic violence or are victims of abuse themselves are at serious risk <br />for long-term physical and mental health problems. Children who witness violence between <br />parents may also be at greater risk of being violent in their future relationships. <br />G.Holding perpetrators of domestic violence accountable enhances public health and safety. <br />1 In re Rainey, 168 Wash. 2d 367, 378, 229 P.3d 686, 690 (2010) <br />2 Alarming Effects of Children’s Exposure to Domestic Violence, Matt Huston. Psychology Today. (2019)