Access to Justice for Adolescents and Young Adults Experiencing Intimate Partner Violence: Effectiveness and Accessibility of Civil Protection Orders

Studies have shown that adolescence and young adulthood are particularly vulnerable times for experiencing intimate partner violence (IPV). Despite encouraging findings on civil protection order (CPO) effectiveness among adult IPV victims, no studies to date have examined this issue among adolescent IPV victims. This study involves a retrospective cohort design that will use multiple data sources to examine the time-dependent effects of CPO coverage on subsequent IPV during a three-year follow-up period and whether differential effectiveness exists by petitioner age (e.g., minor vs. legal adult). Analyses will also involve data from CPO hearings, to examine whether age (minor vs. legal adult) is associated with issuance (vs. denial) of a full CPO and judicial officer adherence to model CPO protocols. To supplement the data, the research team will collect qualitative data on access, buy-in, barriers, and facilitators of CPO use by adolescents and young adults (AYAs). The results of the proposed study will provide critically important and policy-relevant data on the effectiveness of CPO use by adolescent petitioners; inform the need for improvements in awareness and knowledge about CPOs among AYAs; identify the barriers to CPO use by AYAs and potential solutions to overcoming them; and highlight how to further promote the consideration of CPO use among AYAs. The products resulting from the research will include: 1) peer-reviewed publications; 2) presentations at academic conferences; 3) information sharing convenings with local and governmental stakeholders; and 4) a final research report, associated data sets, and other study documentation. Note: This project contains a research and/or development component, as defined in applicable law, and complies with Part 200 Uniform Requirements - 2 CFR 200.210(a)(14). CA/NCF