In the News

Mass. teens not protected?
By Tony Lee
Boston Metro
March 25, 2009

Bay State earns poor grade in report detailing weak response to dating violence

Massachusetts is among the states that don’t do enough to protect teenagers from dating violence, according to a national report released yesterday that some say is too narrow in scope.

According to Break the Cycle, a teen violence prevention group, the Bay State earned a “D” grade in the report, due in large part to a system that requires teens to face a judge to get a protection order against an abuser.

The report labels the process here “extremely difficult,” yet experts say a complete study would include an analysis of services available to dating violence victims, some of whom are too unaware to seek solutions.

“It is hard to get [victims] to seek services unless they have an understanding of what is happening to them,” said Deborah Collins-Gousby, interim executive director of Casa Myrna Vazquez, an anti-domestic violence organization.

According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, one in four adolescents report verbal, physical, emotional or sexual abuse from a dating partner each year.

Break the Cycle Executive Director Marjorie Gilberg stressed a need for legislators to address state domestic violence statutes. That becomes paramount in this economic climate, according to Toni Troop, spokeswoman for Jane Doe, Inc.

“As the economy gets worse we have already started to see an increase in demand for services and that is only bound to continue,” Troop said. “That added stress only makes a more dangerous situation.”

Gov. Deval Patrick has urged legislators to maintain current domestic violence funding levels. Former Gov. Mitt Romney eliminated teen dating violence funding in 2002.

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OTHER STATES
Eleven other states were slapped with a “D” while 11 more received an "F." New Hampshire, which allows victims of all ages to receive a protection order without parental consent, was one of five states to get an "A." To view the report, visit www.breakthecycle.org.
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