Dating Violence Creating a Dating Safety Plan

 Teens in abusive relationships have options for increasing their safety. They may decide to stay with the abuser, exploring ways to keep themselves safe while still in the relationship. They may decide to end the relationship. Protecting the Safety of Young Adults

 A dating safety plan helps people who are experiencing dating violence to think in ADVANCE about how to keep themselves safe.  The plan should be practical and specific. Making a Dating Safety Plan

 Phone Numbers- hotline, friends, family, ICE (In Case of Emergency) number.  Document all incidents- save threatening and harassing texts, voic s, s, journal  Talk to friends and family- provides evidence of behavior  Join a support group Consider the Following Strategies

 Shelters, counseling services, and support groups must remain confidential.  To find youth-friendly resources  Loveisrespect.org Accessing Domestic Violence Services

 Civil Law- an individual suing another individual  Criminal Law- prosecutor defends the target, may result in fines and/or jail sentence.  Protection varies from state to state.  Loveisrespect.org  Breakthecycle.org Accessing the Legal System

 Call the Police  Provides safety and protection for the target  Investigation may include arresting the abuser  Judge may sentence the abuser and issue a criminal protective order  Once the target reports abuse to the police, the target is no longer in control over whether the abuser is prosecuted or not. The Criminal Law

 Target may obtain a Restraining/Protective Order- making it illegal for the abuser to harm or come in contact with the target in any way (physically or electronically).  In most states, violation of a restraining order is a crime.  Not all states will allow teenagers to obtain a restraining order against the abuser. Teenagers must prove that there is a domestic relationship with the abuser. Therefore, an adult must request the order on behalf of the teenager. The Civil Law