Adolescent and Teenage Dating Violence Victim Protection: A Review of Domestic Violence Legislation

• In Event: Policies and Practices to Reduce and Prevent Teen Dating, Domestic and Sexual Violence

Abstract

Research indicates that dating violence is prevalent among teenagers. The increase in dating violence has led policymakers to become more rigorous in their approach to providing legislation that would give minors greater access to protection and relief from abuse. Despite the increased efforts it is unknown if domestic violence legislation is able to provide minors adequate and necessary protection from dating violence. Consequently, the purpose of this paper is to examine domestic violence legislation for all states to: (1) identify areas that leave minors unprotected, and (2) provide policy recommendations that will strengthen a minors’ access to protection and relief from dating violence.

Authors

• Shantae Motley, Prairie View A&M University

• Robin D. Jackson, Prairie View A&M University