Which statement best describes when an Injunction for Protection Against Dating Violence may be issued?

• A. It can be issued only after a formal criminal conviction.
• B. It requires the victim's consent to file the petition.
• C. It can be issued only if the parties are currently living together.
• D. It can be issued for a person who has had a continuing and significant relationship with the suspect and is in imminent danger of becoming the victim of dating violence.

Answer: (D)

Injunctions for Protection Against Dating Violence are civil protective orders designed to shield someone who has an ongoing dating relationship with the alleged abuser and is facing an immediate risk of violence. The key requirement is that there has been a continuing and significant dating relationship and that the petitioner is in imminent danger of becoming the victim of dating violence. This protects people beyond those who live together or who have a criminal conviction to pursue protection quickly based on risk in a dating context.

This type of order does not depend on a criminal conviction, nor does it require the victim’s consent to file the petition. The relationship does not need to involve cohabitation; dating relationships can be non-residential, yet still qualify for protection if the relationship is continuing and significant and there is imminent danger. Therefore, the statement describing protection based on a continuing and significant dating relationship with imminent danger best captures how these orders operate.