Sen. McLeod To Host Town Hall on Protecting Teens From Dating Violence

Working With Sen. Shealy on Teen Dating Violence Legislation
ABC Team

 

COLUMBIA, S.C. (WOLO)-Senator Mia McLeod is hosting a Town Hall to raise awareness about teen dating violence on Feburary 16th.

Senator McLeod also is pushing a bill with Senator Katrina Shealy that would create the offense of teen dating violence, saying teen dating violence is an issue that effects many in our state.

“South Carolina has been number one in the nation since the late 90s at least three times and as a result, we are seeing higher incidents of teen dating violence and relationship violence among teens,” said McLeod.

Bill 169 defines teen dating violence as sexual, psychological or emotional violence between people 18 or younger in a dating relationship.

The bill allows victims 16 years and older to pursue restraining orders without parental consent but the victim’s parents must be contacted by the court within 24 hours.

McLeod says if passed,  the newest version of the bill will provide extra security for teen daters.

McLeod says awareness and education can help lessen these occurrences, sentiments echoed by the Richland County Sheriff’s Department.

The department will join McLeod at the town hall along with Ridgeview High School Scholars Academy magnet students, Senator Shealy, Representative Ivory Thigpen, and the families of teen dating violence victims Deanndra Roach and Sierra Landry.  The event takes place in Ridge View High’s Auditorium at 6 p.m.

 

 

Categories: Local News, News

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