A student group at the University of Louisville is urging the Kentucky Senate to approve House Bill 189, which would expand domestic violence protections to those in dating relationships.
The bill, already approved by the House, would allow people in dating relationships to acquire domestic violence orders. Currently, only couples that are married or divorced, have lived together or have a child in common are allowed to obtain the order.
Officials from the university’s Prevention, Education and Advocacy on Campus and in the Community (PEACC) believe that the bill is important for college students living in dormitories. Additionally, the advocacy group is seeking to form a partnership with police, family advocacy groups and community leaders to find solutions to prevent domestic violence and sexual assaults on campus.
If HB 189 passes, it would require the Kentucky court database to display whether a crime, such as an assault or homicide, was related to domestic violence.
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