Date: 02-20-2015
Kentucky is one of only four states in the U.S. that don’t allow victims of dating violence to seek protective orders unless they have been married to or lived with their abuser, or they have a child together. Our current law leaves very little to no protection for many young adults, including teens and widowed senior citizens, who may be in dating relationships that have gone bad.
This year, co-sponsors of the HB 8, Rep. John Tilley, D-Hopkinsville and Rep. Joni Jenkins, D-Shively, hope that Kentucky lawmakers finally get the message that human lives are at stake. The bill, which would allow dating couples to seek civil protective orders in cases of domestic violence, abuse, sex abuse or stalking, passed the House and has been sent to the Senate. If the bill passes and becomes law, a victim would be able to file an emergency protective order and their abuser’s name would instantly be added to a nationwide database.
It appears that there is momentum this legislative session to get the bill passed, and rightly so, as domestic violence prevention advocates say this is a growing problem in Kentucky that needs to be addressed. State officials say that Kentucky’s number of domestic violence victims is much higher than the national average and women ages 16 to 19 are four times more likely to be victimized. Research has proven that domestic violence can be a problem long before couples move in together, particularly with teens and young adults in their early 20s.
By expanding protective orders to those who are just dating, society will reduce the violence over time, so we can break this ugly cycle of domestic violence.
Some opponents worry that this new law could be a costly measure, literally, in dollars and cents. But a University of Kentucky study showed that for every $1 spent in the protective order system, $31 is saved in other costs. The study estimated that Kentucky could save $85 million per year, on average.
Dating violence is costing our society money. Victims are calling the police and clogging up the court system for long-term protection — because they have no other course of action. Giving dating victims access to emergency protective orders is desperately needed for not only their well-being and safety, but to curb society’s costs associated with this tragic evil.
We’ve all heard the horror stories of unhealthy and abusive relationships, seen the tears and witnessed the fear that these victims encounter. Emergency protective orders won’t be the complete answer, but having that option could mean life or death for dating violence victims and a chance to experience healthy relationships.
The Kentucky Standard
