• Teen relationships are not immune to violence.teens image by japonka from Fotolia.com
  
  Although some parents may not take their teen's dating life too seriously, teen relationships can be volatile. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), one in 11 teens has been the victim of dating violence. Of those teens who experience dating violence, about 23 percent never officially report it. Teens and parents should feel safe when dealing with relationship violence. To help deal with the crisis, they need to know what laws are in place to protect them.
  
  

Connecticut Public Act No. 10-91

• Connecticut is one of several states that has laws in place to educate people on teen dating violence as a method of prevention. The state of Connecticut's Public Act No. 10-91 requires schools to incorporate teen dating violence education and training for all certified teachers, administrators and personnel.
  
  

Florida Statute 784-046

• In Florida, a victim of dating violence who feels in immediate danger of the perpetrator can file for protection. This law extends power to the parent or caregiver; if they feel that their minor child is in danger, they can file for a restraining order with the circuit court on the child's behalf.
  
  

Texas Secretary of State Chapter No. 131

• The Texas Secretary of State Chapter No. 131 requires school systems to form and put into practice a dating violence policy. As part of the policy, the schools should provide students with a safe environment by enforcing restraining orders and offering counseling. The policy should incorporate teen dating violence training and education for school personnel. It should also provide students and parents with education to make them aware of the signs and dangers of teen dating violence.
  
  

Connecticut House Bill No. 5246

• In June 2010, the Connecticut General Assembly enacted a Bill that will educate the general public on teen dating violence and domestic abuse. The state's Commissioner of Public Health and the Department of Public Health must create and distribute at least one televised public service announcement focusing on the dangers and prevention of teen violence.
  
  

Ohio Session Law Chapter No. 15

• The Ohio Session Law Chapter No. 15 develops a partnership between the Franklin County Child and Family Health Services and Compdrug, Inc., an organization that helps prevent and treat substance abuse problems. Franklin County and Compdrug will pool resources to develop the Compdrug Teen Dating Violence Prevention Project, designed to inform teens and parents about teen dating violence.