Currently, there is only one juvenile domestic violence court in the country. Youth often slip through the cracks because neither adult nor juvenile courts know how to deal with cases in which youth are both perpetrators and victims of dating violence.

A program under VAWA, Access to Justice for Youth (42 USC 14043c-1) will bring together institutions, resources and experts to develop a comprehensive response to youth domestic and sexual violence. Modeled on the success of VAWA programs addressing adult victims’, these collaborations will develop:

• A comprehensive, systemic response to youth domestic and sexual violence
• Effective protocols for creating a coordinated community response that addresses victims needs for justice, safety and services, while holding offenders accountable for their actions
• Training for court staff, child welfare agencies, school personnel and healthcare providers

We urge Congress to fully fund Access to Justice for Youth at the authorized level of $5 million per year.