Making The Grade

Every year, Break the Cycle gives each state a grade based on how well their laws protect teen victims of abuse. Today, Break the Cycle released its 2010 state report cards!

Some states made the grade, allowing minors to file for protection orders against an abusive boyfriend or girlfriend without consent from their parents. This is a very big deal because some teens can't talk to their parents about what's going on in their relationships. On the other hand, some states still have a lot of work to do for different reasons. Here are some of the major highlights from the 2010 report cards:

* New Hampshire receives the highest score as the only state allowing minors of any age to file for protection orders without parental involvement.

* Arizona (B) and the District of Columbia (A) improved their laws since last year. Arizona now grants protection orders to those in dating relationships. In DC, teens as young as 12 can now file for protection orders without notifying their parents

* Kentucky (F) has pending legislation that would allow victims of abuse in dating relationships to access protection orders. If it passes, Kentucky's grade could rise to a B!

Do you know if you could file for a protection order if you needed to protect yourself from an abusive relationship? Find out here!



Credit: dating-coach-anita.blogspot.com