__________________________________________Ask the DA

 

Recently, the State legislature passed a bill that will allow people who are in abusive dating relationships and are unwilling to press criminal charges to go to Family Court to obtain civil orders of protection against their abusers. The bill, known as the “Family Court Access Bill,” is currently on Governor Paterson’s desk and is expected to be signed by him. It is a tremendous advancement for those who are in abusive relationships, but are unrelated by blood, marriage or children in common and therefore have previously been unable to seek Family Court protective orders. It is especially helpful to teenagers and those in same-sex relationships who have hesitated to invoke the protection of the criminal law to keep their abusers away.

My office sees far too many cases of teenage dating violence. We vigorously prosecute such cases, but for every one brought to our attention, there are undoubtedly many others that go unreported. Parents can be especially helpful in curbing teenage dating violence by carefully observing their teenagers to determine if their dating partners might be abusing them, and, if they believe they are being abused, by ensuring they get the appropriate help.

Once Governor Paterson signs the Family Court Access Bill, abused teenagers will have a number of options at their disposal. They will be able to go to Family Court to seek orders of protection against their abusers. Or, as has been the case in the past, they will be able to file a police report at their local precinct or go directly to the Family Justice Center at 350 Jay St. in Downtown Brooklyn to do so. Once a report has been filed and an arrest made, the teenager will be contacted by a social worker from my office’s teen dating violence program. Once a case is opened, the teenager will receive an order of protection mandating that the abuser remain a specified distance away.

The social worker will schedule an appointment to meet with the teen to talk about the abusive conduct as well as to discuss any needs the teen may have. Many teenagers keep dating violence a secret and are reluctant to share the details of their relationship. There can be feelings of guilt, shame, and even blame. The social worker will provide services and support for the teenager. Parental love, support and guidance will also be necessary to help the teenager get through the ordeal.

For additional information visit www.brooklynda.org. To have your questions answered in a future column, send them to asktheda@brooklynda.org

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