Lawmakers Reach Agreement on Dating Violence Bill

Kentucky appears ready to become the last state in the country to offer victims of abusive dating relationships some sort of civil protections.

Republican and Democratic lawmakers said Tuesday they have reached an agreement to pass a bill this week that would allow victims of abusive dating relationships to receive an emergency protective order from the courts. Currently, Kentucky only offers these orders to couples who are married, have lived together or have a child together.

The bill is the culmination of nearly a decade of lobbying efforts by victim advocate groups and comes during an important election year where Republicans and Democrats are vying for open seats for governor and attorney general.

Marion Brown from Sanctuary of Hopkinsville told the committee that victims of dating violence need the protections that partners and spouses currently have. She said the advocates in her office hear their stories and see their tears, and then have to watch those women leave without feeling complete safety.

The bill passed a Senate committee on Tuesday. It has already passed the House.