In Love or In Trouble: Examining Ways Court Professionals Can Better Respond to Victims of Adolescent Partner Violence

Abstract

ABSTRACTThis article explores adolescent partner violence and the responses to it from the legal system. Research suggests that as many as 45% of high school students have experienced some form of adolescent partner violence. Despite these findings, the legal response to domestic violence has focused on assisting adult victims and has often excluded adolescents. This article examines the innovative approaches of two of the country's first adolescent‐oriented domestic violence courts and uses the lessons learned from these courts and the research to suggest a larger role court professionals can play in responding to adolescent partner violence.