Variation in State Laws on Access to Civil Protection Orders for Adolescents Experiencing Intimate Partner Violence.

ABSTRACT:

Purpose

Intimate partner violence (IPV) is prevalent among adolescents. Civil protection orders (CPOs) are the most common legal remedy used by individuals experiencing IPV to prevent recurrence. However, laws on whether adolescents can access CPOs vary by state. We assessed the landscape of state legislation regarding adolescents' access to CPOs for IPV.

Methods

We systematically assessed statutes across all 50 U.S. states and the District of Columbia for 5 indicators: whether minors can be granted CPOs, whether minors can file on their own behalf, whether dating relationships are eligible, definitions of abuse qualifying for CPOs, and whether a CPO prohibits firearm possession and requires surrender of firearms.

Results

A total of 48 states (94%) explicitly allow mi

SUBMITTER: Adhia A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7183890 | biostudies-literature | 2020 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature