Officials unsure how to handle dating violence legislation

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (AP) — Officials are trying to determine how best to handle a soon-to-be-instituted state law that will offer victims of abusive dating relationships some civil protections.

The Courier-Journal (http://cjky.it/1QysWfn) reports that officials have yet to decide which courts should process these cases, starting Jan. 1.

In Jefferson County, for example, judges are divided on whether the cases belong in District Court or Family Court.

Carol Jordan, who studies violence against women at the University of Kentucky, says officials don’t know how many people will be entering courtrooms because of the new law.

In April, Gov. Steve Beshear signed a bill to allow victims of abusive dating relationships to receive an emergency protective order from the courts. Currently, Kentucky offers these orders only to couples who are married, have lived together or have a child together.

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Information from: The Courier-Journal, http://www.courier-journal.com

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