Teen Dating Violence Education Lauren LaFayette

Dating Violence Statistics About 1 in 11 teens report being a victim of physical dating violence each year About 1 in 4 teens reports verbal, physical, emotional, or sexual violence each year About 1 in 5 high school girls has been physically or sexually abused by a dating partner. (Center for Disease Control and Prevention, 2005)

Statistics 72% of students in 8th and 9th grade report “dating”. By the time they are in high school, 54% of students report dating violence among their peers Adolescents who are victims of dating violence not only are at increased risk for injury, but are also more likely to report binge drinking, suicide attempts, physical fighting, and sexual activity. Acceptance of dating violence among friends is one of the strongest links to being involved in future dating violence (Center for Disease Control and Prevention, 2005)

Statistics Dating Violence may cause Missed classes, poor grades, or avoidance of school or social events Inability to succeed in school or at work later in life. Depression Suicide attempts Drug and alcohol abuse Risky sexual behavior Medical problems (Center for Disease Control and Prevention, 2005)

Heather’s Law Heather Norris was killed by an estranged boyfriend Since Heather’s murder, Debbie has campaigned for expanded teen dating violence education in an effort to protect more young people from the death suffered by her daughter.

Legislation Requires the Indiana Department of Education must collaborate with organizations that have expertise in Dating violence Domestic violence Sexual abuse (Kelly-Smith, Yeakle, Carpenter, O’Bryan, & Marsh, 2011)

Legislation Requirements The department, in collaboration with organizations that have expertise in dating violence, domestic violence, and sexual abuse, shall identify or develop Model dating violence educational materials; and A model for dating violence response policies and reporting. Not later than July 1, 2011 Grades 6-12 May include the following topics Warning signs of dating violence The basic principles of dating violence prevention Methods of parental education and outreach. (Kelly-Smith, et al, 2011)

Definitions Healthy relationship A connection between people that increases well-being, is mutually enjoyable, and enhances or maintains each individual’s positive self concept. (Kelly-Smith, et al, 2011)

Dating Violence The intentional use of physical, sexual, verbal or emotional abuse by a person to harm, threaten, intimidate or control another person in a current, former, or potential dating relationship Verbal-name calling, putdowns, yelling or shouting, threatening the partner or partners family members Emotional- Excessive jealousy, trying to control the partner’s activities, calling or texting frequently to “keep tabs” on partner, telling partner how to dress, stalking Physical- hitting, slapping, punching, shoving, pinching, kicking, hair pulling Sexual- unwanted touching or kissing, forcing the partner to have sex or engage in any unwanted sexual activity, not allowing the partner to use birth control. (Kelly-Smith, et al, 2011)

Example Program: Choose Respect Reflections on Respect Ok! Or No Way! Who Would You Choose? (Dream Date) Choose Respect Trivia

Response and Reporting Schools need to maintain a safe learning environment where all students have an equal opportunity to learn No student, teacher, administrator or other school corporation employee, contractor or volunteer shall plan, direct, encourage, aid or engage in dating violence Permit or condone dating violence (Kelly-Smith, et al, 2011)

Filing Complaints A school has a responsibility to respond promptly and effectively. A school must take immediate action to address the violence-related behaviors and activities A school must take immediate action to address the consequences of the violence that occurred, and prevent its recurrent to the extent. (Kelly-Smith, et al, 2011)

Remedies and Enforcement The school may: Change class schedules to ensure that the complainant and alleged perpetrator do not attend the same classes Change locker assignment Move the complainant or alleged perpetrator to another school within the corporation Provide counseling services, including mental health referral and evaluation Provide support services Take disciplinary action, including suspension and/or expulsion of the appropriate individual Make a referral to CPS, law enforcement or legal agencies for additional investigation Develop a safety plan for the affected student (Kelly-Smith, et al, 2011)

Safety Plan School personnel should develop a safety plan in collaboration with the victim and victims family. Identify a staff member to provide support and provide a schedule of that individual’s availability Identify safe routes to and from school Identify safe routes to and from classes Identify areas of concerns; extracurricular events, field trips, meals, dances, etc. General safety tips such as locking doors at home, never walking alone, screening phone calls and other electronic media Provide a list of the local resources that may include; hotlines, safe places, shelters, agencies, advocates, law enforcement and other necessary services Follow up dates and times to make necessary changes to plan. (Kelly-Smith, et al, 2011)

Resources Teen Dating Abuse - 1-866-331-9474 or 1-866-331-8453 (TTY) Domestic Violence - 1-800-779-7233 or 1-800-787-3224 Suicide and Crisis - 1-800-784-2433 or 1-800-799-4889 (TTY)

Resources www.uhavetheright.net Information about dating violence and abusive relationships. www.loveisrespect.org Official site of the National Teen Dating Abuse Helpline 1-866-331-9474 www.loveisnotabuse.com Dating abuse education site produced by Liz Claiborne Inc. that also provides resources for the workplace. www.breakthecycle.org Provides programs and resources that educate teens about dating violence. www.teenrelationships.org Dating violence resource site for teens with live chat. www.promotetruth.org Information about sexual violence issues for teens and their communities www.seeitandstopit.org/pages Resources to educate your school or community about domestic abuse www.thesafespace.org Speak out about domestic violence and dating abuse www.knowtheredflags.com Provides warning signs of abusive relationships.

Resources Center for Disease Control and Prevention (2005). Dating Violence Facts. Choose . Retrieved from http://www.cdc.gov/chooserespect/understanding_dating_violence/dating_vi olence_facts.html Kelly-Smith, A., Yeakle, C., Carpenter, A. M., O’Bryan, K., & Marsh, J. (2011). Indiana’s model teen dating violence educational materials and response for policies for schools guidance document. Indiana Department of Education.