GA Seeks to Extend Protective Orders to Dating Relationships

Back to HomePage
Updated: 7:19 PM Jun 2, 2010 GA Seeks to Extend Protective Orders to Dating Relationships The death of UVa lacrosse player Yeardley Love has inspired a new move to change protective orders to include people who are dating. But, there are challenges to overcome before the General Assembly can approve it. Posted: 5:10 PM Jun 2, 2010 Reporter: Liz Palka Email Address: liz.palka@newsplex.com

Font Size:

June 2, 2010

The violent death of University of Virginia lacrosse player Yeardley Love is inspiring a new move to change state law.

The law would give the victim in an abusive relationship protection. Several lawmakers are discussing changing protective orders to include dating couples.

"If somebody is simply in an abusive dating relationship, that's going to open that door for them to get that protection they need," said Michele Zehr, an adult advocate for the Sexual Assault Resource Agency.

Del. Rob Bell said it's an issue the General Assembly has looked at for years now, and the death of Love is one more reason to push the legislation.

There are currently two types of protective orders. One is for people being stalked, threatened or who have been seriously hurt by another. Another is for family abuse.

Bell said several legislators want to extend the family abuse protective order to include boyfriends and girlfriends. The challenge lies in how to define a "dating relationship" and how to make sure there aren't too many orders issued so police can keep track of them.

Bell said Love's death and the safety of others in similar relationships is of great concern to them.

"This has made people much more aware of the issues that come up when someone is feeling threatened, doesn't want to take on criminal charges, but wants the other person to stay away," Bell said. "How do you make that happen?"

Bell is a member of the General Assembly's Crime Commission, which is meeting in late June to discuss what changes need to be made to protective orders and what legislation can be drafted as a result.

SARA and several other agencies in Charlottesville say they would stand behind the law, depending on what it said.

"I think it's important to get it right, to research what others states are doing," SARA executive director Margaret Mikkelsen said. "Research what's working, what is actually protecting people who are experiencing dating violence, and to get the right legislation passed."

Officials said passing the right legislation means fewer people who could slip through the cracks.

If you are being abused, there are resources in the community where you can turn. The Shelter for Help in Emergency and the Sexual Assault Resource Agency are just two of them. There are also Domestic Violence Services coordinators in the area.

Click here to post a comment.