Bill > HF2167

This bill expands protections and legal recourse for victims of dating abuse by creating a new criminal offense called "dating abuse assault" and establishing a comprehensive framework for addressing dating abuse within existing legal structures. It amends various sections of Iowa law to include "dating abuse" and "dating abuse assault" alongside "domestic abuse" and "domestic abuse assault" in contexts such as address confidentiality programs for victims, criminal complaint procedures, law enforcement training, juvenile court proceedings, and victim compensation funds. The bill also introduces a new chapter, the "Dating Abuse Act," which defines dating abuse and dating relationships, outlines procedures for seeking protective orders, provides for pro se assistance, establishes county attorney support, details hearing and disposition processes, and includes provisions for emergency orders, data collection, and foreign protective order enforcement. Furthermore, it clarifies penalties for dating abuse assault, including mandatory minimum jail sentences and enhanced penalties for repeat offenses or those involving strangulation, and mandates batterers' treatment programs for offenders.