Protecting Teens Against New Bully Threat: Dating Violence

In nearly lock-step bi-partisan fashion the General Assembly moves to further protect teens from the perils of dating violence.
 
HB 6629 would allow teens to secure a restraining order against an abusive teen dating partner. HB 6053 would revise the state's bullying law to include teen dating violence. And SB 1138 targets cyber-bullying. The three proposed bills should get a floor vote in the coming weeks.
 
“The whole idea here is how teens can protect themselves through the legal system,” said Bob Kocienda, chairman of the Norwalk-based Center for Youth Leadership.
 
HB 6629 would allow teens experiencing constant threat of present physical pain or physical injury, a pattern of verbal intimidation, threatening or stalking by family or someone in, or recently in, a dating relationship, to apply for restraining order “regardless of the age of such persons.”
 
Only two other states, Rhode Island and California, allow teens to get restraining orders against other teens.  

"Shining a spotlight on the issue is a very important part of effectively combating the incidence of dating violence," said state Sen. Joseph Crisco, a Democrat who represents the senate's 17th District in Woodbridge and Hamden.

"Would-be perpetrators must know this behavior is wrong and will not be tolerated, and victims must know they are not alone," he said. "We must identify perpetrators and help pursue consequences so they are held accountable and we can stop the cycle of violence." 

“We take pride on being on the forefront of legislation like this,” said state Rep. Terrie Wood, a Republican who represents Norwalk in the 141st House District.

Under the bill, police and peace officers must inform victims of abuse about options, including restraining orders and where to find domestic violence help. The Judiciary Committee unanimously passed the bill out of committee.

“We understand a restraining order is a piece of paper and can’t stop bullying or can’t stop a knife,” Kocienda said. “But it’s important to break the cycle. Teen dating violence is often a strong precursor to adult domestic violence.”

Although widespread, most teens remain silent about teen dating violence. Indeed, 81 percent of parents surveyed said it isn’t an issue, or didn’t know it was one, according to the Hartford-based Center for Children’s Advocacy.

“Violence is violence,” said state Rep. Jason Perillo, a Republican who represents Shelton in the 113th House District. “Whether it is in the home of a husband and wife, or in the cafeteria at school, it can’t be tolerated and if a young girl needs a restraining order in order to protect herself from being terrorized by her boyfriend, then we need to make that possible. If we’re not protecting young girls from violence, then we’re failing.”

"When teens see school officials and other adults talking seriously and candidly about the safety and well-being of teens, it will remind them that they, too, have responsibility for their welfare," Crisco said, "and will be held accountable for their actions if they behave violently."

Violence in teen dating relationships is linked with increased risk for substance abuse, eating disorders, risky sexual behaviors, pregnancy, and suicide, said Jeanne Milstein, child advocate, in testimony.

According to the Office of Fiscal Analysis, HB 6629 would cost $1.58 million for FY 12 and $1.58 million for FY 13. This cost to the Judicial Department is so it can include trauma-informed care to victims as part of the functions of local family violence intervention units. Because of that associated cost, the Connecticut Conference on Municipalities (CCM) doesn’t support the bill.

"I disagree with the CCM," Crisco said. "These incidents are violent and predatory and public safety resources must be brought to bear to prevent them or prosecute perpetrators as they occur."

Kocienda said he understands CCM's concerns, but, he added, it’s necessary because students spend eight hours a day in school.

“If it means an abuser has to be removed from a chemistry class and put into another class then so be it,” Kocienda said. “We can’t deny their social lives enter the schools.”

Proponents say a restraining order would afford needed protection for teens, especially young women, and it sends a signal to those around the teen that this is a serious matter.

“It makes all the sense to me,” said Wood. “It empowers young women. It gives them the ability to say, ‘I have the law on my side.’”

Bullying behavior is often less apparent after middle school, Roberto Ceja of Center for Youth Leadership said in previous testimony. That’s why the center supports HB 6053. This proposed bill brings teen dating violence under the state’s anti-bullying umbrella. The bill passed the Judiciary Committee with 34 in favor, two against, and nine abstaining or absent.

Bullying often changes form, imitating more extreme behaviors, such as sexual bullying and/or dating violence.

“While we are concerned about both explanations, we are more concerned with the link between bullying and dating violence,” Ceja said.

According to the Connecticut Department of Public Health, students across the state who reported verbal and physical dating violence, 30 percent considered suicide, 25 percent made a suicide plan and 20 percent attempted suicide.

Lastly, Democrat Deputy Majority Leader Chris Perone, who represents Norwalk in the 137th House District, sponsored SB 1138 to protect children and teens from cyberbullying.

“One out of every four Connecticut high school students is bullied each year. And more and more of this bullying is happening via Facebook, text messaging and instant messaging,” said Perone. “The world is changing and we need to make sure that we are doing everything possible to keep our kids safe.”

Both the Education and Judiciary Committees approved the proposed bill. Currently six states have enacted laws addressing cyberbullying.

State Rep. Kim Fawcett, a Democrat who represents Fairfield and Westport in the 133rd House District, is supportive of Perone’s bill.

“I have teenage daughters and have witnessed the use of cyber bullying first hand.  It is growing and our youth are being impacted daily,” Fawcett said. "One of the biggest instigators of cyber bullies is the animosity that kids have when they are online. They feel they can say and do anything and they don't completely understand the impact of their actions."