During February, a spotlight will shine on the issue of teen dating violence on all levels, from county to state.

Mason County Judge-Executive James "Buddy" Gallenstein signed a proclamation Friday declaring February Teen Dating Violence Awareness and Prevention month, a move echoed by Gov. Steve Beshear who signed a similar proclamation for the state.

Shari Staff, director of the Buffalo Trace Women's Crisis Center, said the proclamations shed light "on the fact that adolescence and young adulthood are critical life stages in the prevention of violence against women and that dating violence is an issue that affects thousands of young Kentuckians."

Additionally, the issue is getting attention in the state legislature with bills addressing domestic violence being considered by the House of Representatives next week. Specifically, House Bill 30 sponsored by Rep. Joni Jenkins and supported by Rep. Mike Denham would expand the protective order statute to allow those who are dating or have dated to petition for protective orders, even if they have never lived together or had a child together. The bill would also expand the warrantless arrest statute to cover those in dating relationships.

Becky Young, a representative for the Maysville Women's Crisis Center who serves as a liaison between the crisis center and law enforcement, said this is the first time a proclamation of this type has been made for teen dating violence.

Young had been conducting research when she came across statistics on teen dating violence.

"I didn't realize how big a problem it was," she said.

According to information provided by the Women's Crisis Center, young women between 16 and 24 experience the highest rate of domestic violence but lack access to protection. In House Bill 30, it is noted that 32 percent of college students report dating violence by a previous partner and 21 percent report violence by a current partner. Sixty percent of acquaintance rapes on college campuses occur in casual or dating relationship, according to the bill.

Young said from a legal standpoint, not much can be done for teenagers experiencing violence in a relationship without their parents initiating action. The District of Columbia and 39 other states have amended laws to encompass those in dating relationships.

House Bill 30 would allowed those 18 and older who are in a dating relationship to file for protective orders. Under the current statute, adult family members may file a petition for a protective order on behalf of children younger than 18 who are in a dating relationship.

Young drafted a proclamation for the county to declare February Teen Dating Violence Awareness and Prevention month. A proclamation was also sent to the state.

Young said she plans to do a radio show to raise awareness for teen dating violence. Additionally, she and Mason County Sheriff Patrick Boggs may go into the schools to discuss the subject with students.

Boggs said teen dating violence has not been a major problem in the area, but there is a larger problem across the state and nation. Raising awareness and aiming for prevention may help guarantee Mason County does not seem an increase in the number of incidences.

Maysville Police Chief Kent Butcher and Assistant Police Chief Ron Rice attended the signing of the proclamation. Sgt. Chris Neal is the department's crime prevention officers and routinely teaches classes on subjects that affect kids, whether that is drugs, bullying, or teen dating violence.

Rice said having Neal in the schools builds relationships with students. The student may feel more comfortable telling Neal about an incident.

Contact Misty Maynard at misty.maynard@lee.net or by calling 606-564-9091, ext. 272.

For more area news, visit www.maysville-online.com.