In a dating violence response, which action is most appropriate for protecting the victim?

• A. Increase supervision of the victim
• B. Discuss rights to protective measures
• C. Take steps to prevent retaliation
• D. Offer the opportunity to have a support person

Answer: (B)

Understanding how to protect a teen navigating dating violence centers on empowering them with information about protective options. When you discuss rights to protective measures, you give the student concrete, actionable paths to safety. This might include how to access protective or restraining orders where available, campus or community safety resources, safety planning, and how to contact advocacy services or hotlines. Providing this information respects the student’s autonomy and supports informed decision-making about what steps to take, short-term and long-term.

Other actions can be part of a safety plan, but they don’t directly ensure access to formal protections. Increasing supervision can feel overbearing and may not stop the abuse or address the student’s risk. Taking steps to prevent retaliation is important, but without clear knowledge of protective rights, the student may hesitate to seek formal protections. Offering a support person is helpful for emotional support, yet it doesn’t establish legal or formal safety measures on its own.

So, discussing rights to protective measures is the most direct way to enhance the student’s safety by connecting them with real protections and resources they can choose to use.