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Richard Piatt ReportingDomestic violence among teens is not topic that gets a lot of talk, but on Utah's Capitol Hill, the talk is about expanding protective orders to include teens in abusive relationships.
The term 'Dating Violence' is not a familiar one, but the problem is surprisingly common. This bill allows for protective orders for teens who don't live together.
Today the House committee approved the bill, so it goes on to the full House. It would allow--as a last resort--victims of domestic violence in a dating situation to seek protective orders. And it allows teens age 16 and up to get the court order.
Testimony today reflected a problem that a lot of people don't even think about.
Sarah Southerland, Dating Violence Survivor: "For me this bill not only establishes dating violence as a legitimate problem in Utah, but it provides, as a last resort, a way for victims to protect themselves."
Representative David Litvack addressed the concern of some police officers, pointing out that a protective order itself is not a criminal offense, only violating the order is a crime.
