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Abstract: 

Teen girls have the highest rates of partner violence, and yet they are often invisible to our health care and legal systems. The dynamics of abuse in teen dating relationships is remarkably similar to that experienced by adults, and the consequences equally devastating. Yet teens have limited access to protective resources, which may include ability to obtain a restraining order. This article outlines what states must do to protect teens from partner violence. Specifi cally, states must amend their domestic violence laws to include dating partnerships and relationships between minors, while providing access to courts, legal counsel, and confidentiality. Only then can teen IPV receive the attention it deserves.

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Affiliations:  1: Stanford Law School; 2: Break the Cycle.