New Law Protects Teens from Dating Harassment and Violence

teenlaw.jpgIn 2005, a seventeen-year old girl named Shynerra Grant was murdered by her ex-boyfriend, Antonio.  She had just graduated high school in Toledo, Ohio, and was heading to college in the fall.  Shynerra had been stalked by her ex-boyfriend for more than a year before she was murdered.  Antonio stalked and abused Shynerra, including an incident in May 2004 when he broke into her home and put her in the hospital with a broken jaw.  At the time an adult could obtain a Civil Stalking Protection Order (CSPO), but it was almost impossible for minors to get that same protection if the aggressor was another minor.

In March 2010, the Ohio General Assembly passed legislation that would confront this issue.  House Bill 10, named the Shynerra Grant Law, was sent to Governor Strickland for his signature.  The Governor signed the bill into law and it will become effective on June 17, 2010.  The law is designed to allow a minor to go to his or her local juvenile court to obtain a protection order in certain situations.  A teen who is the victim of harassing, stalking, or threatening behavior by another teen, now has the option of going to court … Read More... “New Law Protects Teens from Dating Harassment and Violence”