BILL NUMBER: S1653

SPONSOR: BAILEY
 
TITLE OF BILL:

An act to amend the social services law, in relation to creating a
domestic abuse hotline for teens; and to amend the education law, in
relation to requiring a school assembly on domestic abuse

 
PURPOSE OR GENERAL IDEA OF BILL:

To provide a domestic abuse toll-free hotline for teens and require all
New York State high schools to hold an assembly addressing the dangers
of domestic violence and providing information for the toll-free
hotline.

 
SUMMARY OF SPECIFIC PROVISIONS:

Sections one and two of the bill amend the relevant provisions of New
York law to establish the domestic abuse hotline and the high school
assembly, respectively. Section 3 sets forth the effective date.

              

 
JUSTIFICATION:

Violence in adolescent relationships is a growing problem in society and
may result in long-term trauma for the victims. Adolescence is a time
when patterns of abuse can develop, and violence in dating relationships
may be a precursor for abuse in adult relationships.  Teens ought to be
educated about the dangers of dating violence during these formative
years.

According to the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene,
in 2017, 10 percent of teenagers in New York City high schools reported
experiencing physical violence in a dating relationship within the last
year, and 15.4 percent reported experiencing sexual violence in a dating
relationship within the last year.

Abuse is not only a physical assault on the victim. Many adolescents are
victims of verbal and emotional abuse by their partner. Research has
shown that nearly half of all adolescent girls experience verbal abuse
in their relationships. Proper education must be implemented to address.
Adolescents should also be educated about the forms and dangers of
dating violence, as well as what resources exist for victims.

This legislation will establish a toll-free hotline, available 24 hours
a day, to assist victims or potential victims of teen dating abuse.
Additionally, an assembly addressing the dangers of dating violence
would be required in each high school across the state.  School adminis-
trators would supply students with the toll-free number of the hotline
during these assemblies.

 
PRIOR LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:

2019-20: Referred to Children and Families

2021-22: Referred to Children and Families

2023-24: Referred to Children and Families

 
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS FOR STATE AND LOCAL GOVERNMENTS:

To be determined.

 
EFFECTIVE DATE:
Immediately; provided, however, that section two of the act shall apply
to any school year commencing at least thirty days after such effective
date.