Teens and Dating Violence

Dating violence is an increasingly common problem. Teenagers subjected to dating violence often slip through the cracks of the legal system.

Dating violence is a serious issue that affects people of all ages. Abuse in dating relationships can come in various forms, including physical, emotional, sexual, financial, and digital abuse. Dating violence can have significant long-term consequences. Teenagers subjected to dating violence often slip through the cracks of the legal system because they are either too old to be helped by child protection social workers or too young to stay at battered women's shelters. This article provides an overview of teen dating violence, the laws protecting young victims in Maryland, and resources available to help teens and their families.

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What Is Teen Dating Violence?

Teen dating violence involves abusive behaviors in a romantic or intimate relationship between teenagers. It can take many forms, including:

  • Physical abuse: Hitting, slapping, or other physical harm.
  • Emotional abuse: Manipulation, threats, or insults to undermine self-esteem.
  • Sexual abuse: Coercion or forced sexual activity without consent.
  • Financial abuse: Taking over a person’s finances to maintain control over them.
  • Digital abuse: Using technology to harass, stalk, or control a partner.

 

Signs of Teen Dating Violence

Teens experiencing dating violence may exhibit:

  • Unexplained injuries or frequent absences from school.
  • Withdrawal from friends, family, or activities they used to enjoy.
  • Sudden changes in behavior, mood, or academic performance.
  • Fear or anxiety about their partner.
  • Concern about communication with or monitoring by their partner.
  • Constant apologizing or making excuses for their partner’s behavior.

 

Maryland Laws Protecting Teens from Dating Violence

Maryland has laws in place to protect teens from dating violence and provide remedies for victims.

Protective Orders

Under Maryland law, minors can petition for protective orders if they are victims of abuse. Generally, a parent or guardian files the petition for a peace order on behalf of the teen. The petition can also be filed by the State’s Attorney or the Department of Social Services.  

  • Protective orders can provide:
  • No-contact provisions to keep the abuser away from the victim.
  • Temporary custody arrangements for minor children.
  • Orders to stop harassment, threats, or abuse.

Learn more about protective orders.

Read the Law: Md. Code, Family Law § 4-501(o)(2)(ii), § 4-504 through § 4-506

 

Peace Orders

If a teen’s abusive relationship does not qualify for a protective order, they may be able to obtain protection through a peace order. Peace orders offer similar protections to protective orders and are available to anyone who is not eligible for a protective order but is a victim of abuse.

A peace order petition filed against a minor goes through a different process than that of an adult. When filing against a minor, the petition is reviewed by the Department of Juvenile Services (DJS), prior to a case being started against the minor. If DHS accepts the petition, the case will proceed regularly, but it will not be available in public records.

Learn more about peace orders.

Read the Law: Md. Code, Courts. & Judicial Proceedings § 3-8A-10(c), (d), § 3-1501 through   § 3-1510.

 

Criminal Offenses Related to Dating Violence

Certain acts of dating violence, such as assault, stalking, harassment, and sexual violence, are criminal offenses under Maryland law. Maryland laws explicitly address acts such as assault, sexual violence, stalking, and harassment, providing a legal framework for prosecuting perpetrators and protecting victims.

 

Assault

Acts of physical violence in a dating relationship, such as hitting, punching, or threatening physical harm, fall under the category of assault. Maryland recognizes two degrees of assault:

  • First-degree assault: Covers serious physical harm or the use of a weapon with the intent to cause serious injury.
  • Second-degree assault: Addresses less severe physical harm or attempts/threats to inflict harm.

Read the Law: Md. Code, Criminal Law Article § 3-201,  § 3-202

 

Sexual Violence

Maryland's sexual violence laws address non-consensual sexual acts and sexual exploitation:

  • First and Second-degree rape: Non-consensual sexual acts committed by force or threat of force, or where the victim cannot consent due to incapacity.
  • Third and Fourth-degree sexual offenses: These statutes cover non-consensual sexual contact and acts involving minors.

These laws are critical in addressing sexual abuse within dating relationships, particularly in cases where one partner uses coercion or threats to force sexual acts.

Read the Law: Md. Code, Criminal Law § 3-303, § 3-304, § 3-307, § 3-308

 

Stalking

Stalking is defined as a malicious course of conduct intended to cause fear of harm, death, or serious emotional distress. In dating violence, stalking behaviors might include constant monitoring, following the victim, or sending unwanted messages or threats.

Read the Law: Md. Code, Criminal Law Article § 3-802

 

Harassment

Harassment involves repeatedly following or contacting someone with the intent to annoy, alarm, or harass. This law applies to persistent behaviors such as unwanted calls, texts, or social media messages aimed at intimidating a dating partner.

Read the Law: Md. Code, Criminal Law Article § 3-803

 

Maryland’s age of consent is 16. Sexual relationships involving individuals under 16 may constitute rape or sexual offense if there is a 4-year age difference between the victim and the other individual or the other individual is in a position of authority. Maryland age of consent laws aim to protect teens from exploitation, which can often occur in abusive dating relationships.

Learn more about age of consent.

Read the Law: Md. Code, Criminal Law § 3-301 – 15.

 

Digital Abuse

In cases where dating violence involves technology, Maryland law provides remedies for digital harassment and cyberstalking. Teens experiencing abuse through social media, texts, or emails may seek legal protection under Maryland Criminal law.

Read the Law: Md. Code, Criminal Law Article § 3-804, § 3-805

 

School Policies and Curriculum

Maryland law requires each school district to develop and implement policies to prevent and address bullying, harassment, and intimidation, which can include acts associated with teen dating violence.  School policies must cover conduct occurring:

  • On school property.
  • During school-sponsored events.
  • Off-campus if it disrupts the school environment.

Dating violence incidents that involve harassment or intimidation, whether physical, verbal, or digital, can be addressed under these policies. Policies must include procedures for:

  • Reporting incidents confidentially.
  • Investigating reports of bullying or violence.
  • Disciplinary actions and support measures for victims and perpetrators.

Read the law: Md. Code, Education § 7-424, § 7-424.1, § 7-424.3

Maryland law encourages county boards of education to incorporate lessons on dating violence into the health education curriculum. Maryland's Comprehensive Health Education Standards include key components that address teen dating violence through education and skill-building. Relevant topics include:

  • Safety and Violence Prevention: Students learn strategies to recognize, prevent, and respond to unsafe situations, including dating violence and other forms of interpersonal violence. Safety and violence prevention instruction includes age-appropriate instruction on the awareness and prevention of sexual abuse and assault, and the meaning of consent.
  • Mental and Emotional Health: Education focuses on developing healthy relationship skills, emotional regulation, and coping mechanisms to foster positive interactions and reduce conflict.
  • Family Life and Human Sexuality: Students explore the dynamics of healthy versus unhealthy relationships, consent, and respect in interpersonal relationships.
  • Interpersonal Communication Skills: Emphasis is placed on effective communication, boundary-setting, and conflict resolution to reduce risks associated with dating violence.
  • Decision-Making Skills: Students practice making informed and safe decisions about relationships, recognizing warning signs of abuse, and accessing help when needed.
  • Advocacy for Personal and Community Health: Students are encouraged to advocate for themselves and others by promoting awareness and seeking support services for dating violence prevention and intervention.

Read the Law: Md. Code, Education, § 7-401, § 7-411.1, § 7–424, § 7–424.1, § 7–424.3, § 7–445
Read the Regulations: Code of Maryland Regulations, 13A.04.18.01

 

Resources for Teens and Families

Several organizations and programs in Maryland assist teens and families dealing with dating violence:

  • Maryland Network Against Domestic Violence (MNADV): Provides resources and referrals for victims of domestic violence, including teens.
  • House of Ruth Maryland: Offers legal services, counseling, and education for victims of domestic violence.
  • School Counselors and Social Workers: Many schools have trained professionals who can provide support and referrals for students experiencing abuse.
  • Love Is Respect: A national resource offering a 24/7 hotline and online chat for teens experiencing dating violence. 
     

 

Source
Contributions by Sahar Nasserghodsi, Esq.; Updated by Web Services Librarian.
Source URL: https://www.peoples-law.org/teens-and-dating-violence

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  9. #harassment
  10. #consent
  11. #digital
  12. #school
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