AZ fails to protect teens from dating violence

The recent national release of Break The Cycle's state report cards regarding teen dating violence protections highlights the need for statutory reform in Arizona. Along with 11 other states, we failed in a measurement of the ability of our laws to protect teen dating violence victims.

Thankfully, the Arizona Coalition Against Domestic Violence (AzCADV) is working to improve our grade through legislation to protect victims of dating violence.

Last year in Arizona, three teenage girls were murdered and one teenage boy committed suicide, illustrating the potentially lethal results of violence in teen relationships. The prevalence is staggering: an estimated 1 in 5 teenage girls suffer at the hands of their boyfriends and they deserve legal protection.

Perpetrators develop these behaviors at a young age, and appropriate measures must be taken to hold them accountable and offer a chance to change.

Arizona's "F" on the report card stems from the fact that most teen victims do not qualify for Orders of Protection. Arizona statute defines domestic violence as being between people who are married or formerly married, live together or have lived together, have a child in common, or are related by blood or court order. Couples who are dating and do not meet the above criteria are not protected by the domestic violence statute.

Young women aged 16-24 are three times more likely than any other age group to be abused. Teens who are in violent relationships may obtain an Injunction Against Harassment, but these do not offer the same safety options as a domestic violence Order of Protection. This leaves victims of dating violence at significant risk.

Additionally, perpetrators of violence in these relationships are not held accountable in the same way they would be if the statutory definition of domestic violence included dating relationships. In contrast to Arizona's policy, the United States Department of Justice has identified dating violence as a priority, as have 43 other states.

In order to close this gaping hole, Sen. Jonathan Paton (R-30) worked with AzCADV to draft legislation expanding the definition of domestic violence to include dating relationships. This bill, SB1088, will offer a safety net to victims while holding perpetrators accountable, giving them a chance to examine and hopefully change their behavior.

One of the major gaps in the report by Breaking the Cycle is that it does not assess services for teen victims of abuse in determining the state's grade. While Arizona still would not receive a passing grade, we believe that examining the entire picture, and not only access to legal remedies, would provide a clearer assessment of the state and what remedies are needed in order to support victims of dating violence. 

Our communities must begin to examine the lessons young people learn about relationships, and to be certain that those messages promote respect, empathy and cooperation. Everyone needs to be educated on the warning signs, like extreme jealousy, and on appropriate intervention when abuse is suspected.

We must also remain aware of the fact that no victim deserves it, asks for it or provokes it by staying in the relationship. Maintaining a supportive attitude is necessary to help victims.

Lastly, everyone should be aware that there are services available to victims of teen dating violence, as well as their families and friends. The national Teen Helpline is open 24/7 and can be reached at 1-866-331-9474 or www.loveisrespect.org.

Allie Bones is executive director of the Arizona Coalition Against Domestic Violence. For more information, visit www.azcadv.org.