Creates a domestic abuse hotline for teens

BILL NUMBER:S983

Title of bill

An act to amend the social services law, in relation to creating a domestic abuse hotline for teens; and to amend the education law, in relation to requiring a school assembly on domestic abuse

Purpose or general idea of bill

To provide a domestic abuse toll-free hotline for teens and require all New York State high schools to hold an assembly addressing the dangers of domestic violence and providing information for the toll-free hotline.

Summary of specific provisions

Section 459-h of the social services law is renumbered section 459-1, and a new section, 459-h, is added which would establish a toll-free domestic abuse hotline for teens. The education law is amended by adding a new section 3235, which would establish a mandatory domestic abuse assembly.

Justification

Violence in adolescent relationships is a growing problem in society, and may result in long term trauma for the victims. The years during adolescence are the time when patterns of abuse develop, violence in dating relationships may be a precursor for abuse in adult relationships. Teens must be educated about the dangers of domestic violence during these formative years.

A recent report on youth domestic violence indicated that one in five or 30,000 teenage girls in New York City are victims of dating violence. Another study has shown that nearly 25% of female students have been victims of forced sexual intercourse by grade 12. A large scale survey of the college population has also shown that one in four women have been victims of rape or attempted rape. In New York City alone there has been a 70% increase in adolescent calls to the City's Domestic Violence Hotline since 1998.

Abuse is not only a physical assault on the victim, many adolescents are victims of verbal abuse by their partner as well. Studies show that nearly half of all adolescent girls report verbal abuse in their relationship. Proper education must be implemented to address the many forms and dangers of domestic violence. Adolescents must also be educated about the many avenues they may take for assistance in their abusive relationship.

This legislation will provide adolescents with a toll-free hotline, which would be available 24 hours a day to assist victims or potential victims of teen domestic abuse. Additionally, an assembly addressing the dangers of domestic violence would be required in each high school across the state, The assembly would also supply the students with the toll-free number of the domestic abuse hotline for teens.

Prior legislative history

2004: A.10029 - Referred to Children and Families 2005-06: A.926 - Referred to Children and Families 2007-08: A.3768 - Referred to Children and Families 2009-10: A.7630-A - Held in Children and Families

Fiscal implications for state and local governments

Unknown.

Effective date

This act shall take effect immediately; provided, however, that section two of this act shall apply to any school year commencing at least thirty days after such effective date.