Arizona’s “Kaity’s Law” Increases Domestic Violence Protection for Unmarried Couples
Dating abuse laws differ greatly in this country and certain states fail to adequately protect unmarried couples. Arizona’s law makers learned this the hard way when 17-year-old Kaity Sudberry was murdered by her ex-boyfriend, before he finally turned the gun on himself.
The thing is – a week prior to her murder, Kaity and her parents went to court in search of help! Because Arizona’s legal definition of “domestic violence” excluded teen relationships, Kaity found no solution. Kaity’s parents and Arizona lawmakers fought hard to change the law, and the result is Kaity’s Law, which allows those in dating relationships to be afforded the same protection under law as those who live with, are married to, blood related or pregnant by an abusive partner.
There is a common misconception that teens are not affected by dating abuse, but this is just not true. A March 2006 Teenage Research Unlimited survey commissioned by Liz Claiborne found that “1 in 5 teens, who have been in a serious relationship – report being hit, slapped or pushed by their partner. Everyone deserves the right to a healthy relationship, and there is help out there!”
For more information regarding healthy, unhealthy, and abusive relationships, or information on how you can make a difference in your community – click here.
