Dating Abuse and Relationship Violence:  A Whole School Response Hilda

Molly Voyles, Policy Manager Texas Council on Family Violence Who we are… Molly Voyles, Policy Manager Texas Council on Family Violence Molly

Who we are… Hilda Hilda Gutiérrez, Prevention Coordinator Texas Council on Family Violence

Where we work… Mission – The Texas Council on Family Violence promotes safe and healthy relationships by supporting service providers, facilitating strategic prevention efforts, and creating opportunities for freedom from domestic violence. The National Council on Family Violence operates: The National Domestic Violence Hotline Love is respect- National Dating Abuse Helpline Texas Council on Family Violence Molly

Who's in the room? Counselor Nurse / Health Worker Administrator Teacher Affiliated Agency or Nonprofit Other Professional Hilda

Dating and domestic violence are preventable. 1. Texas’ Policy Response to Dating Violence 2. Awareness & Prevention Education for students 3. Discuss your role in preventing dating violence. Molly

What drew you to this training? What do you hope to get out of it? Hilda Molly scribes responses

Teen Dating Violence According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC) Teen Dating Violence is defined as the physical, sexual, or psychological/ emotional violence within a dating relationship, as well as stalking. It can occur in person or electronically and may occur between a current or former dating partner. Molly highlights the information. Molly or Hilda go through and describe what each of these pieces looks like in teen relationships. Since the video is more focused on sexual violence, we may want to focus on delving into the dating violence pieces.

Dating Violence: Know the Stats One in three students report experiencing some form of abuse ¼ of high school girls have been victims of physical or sexual abuse 22.4 % of adult female victims and 15% of adult male victims first experienced some form of partner violence between the ages of 11 & 17 In a recent study, 75% of 7th grade students were already dating and 37% reported being a victim of psychological dating violence Molly

Dating Violence & Health Teen dating violence victims are more likely to: Do poorly in school Become depressed Become pregnant Engage in other unhealthy behaviors like abusing drugs and alcohol Experience a higher rate of victimization in college Hilda

Violent Behaviors Start Early Patterns of dating violence behavior often start early and carry through into adult relationships. V.A. Forshee et Al, Health Education Research, 11(3), 275-286, (1996). Hilda We know that both victims and perpetrators are affected by witnessing and experiencing abuse in relationships. In fact, one study has indicated that, “Violent relationships in adolescence can have serious ramifications for victims: Many will continue to be abused in their adult relationships and are at a higher risk for substance abuse, eating disorders, risky sexual behavior, and suicide.” Jay G. Silverman PhD, et Al, “Dating Violence Against Adolescent Girls and Associated Substance Use, Unhealthy Weight Control, Sexual Risk Behavior, Pregnancy, and Suicidality.” Journal of the American Medical Association, (2001). Research has supported this assertion in perpetrators as well.

What can we do? Hilda

Video View 5 minute video. Hilda leads the facilitation after video showing. During the conversation, Molly can interject with information regarding legal requirements for adults to respond to this issue. Who they should call and what the protocol is. Ask: What stood out to you about the video? What did you appreciate about the medical professional? How would this scenario be replicated in your school setting? How would you hear about it? How would you respond if Olivia shared this story with you? How would you address any rumors that were being spread about her? How would you keep her safe?

Hanging out or Hooking Up? Hilda Explain that the film is tied to a larger campaign to help health professionals screen for IPV and sexual coercion. The health professional was likely using this wallet card to help guide some of the conversation. The wallet card can be used by other professionals such as yourselves for the same purposes. Maria will be walking people through how to use this resource the following morning if they are interested in getting additional training. Explain to participants the different handouts and resources that we have collected for them.

Shifting School Culture Hilda Easy way to get the word out One of the building blocks for shifting school climate Awareness Campaigns

Love is Respect Hilda Hotline, text chat, public awareness materials for teens and their friends who are experiencing violence. Positive messages about healthy relationships.

That’s Not Cool Hilda Games, videos, call out cards, facebook, twitter campaign That’s Not Cool is a national public education campaign to prevent teen dating abuse. That’s Not Cool uses digital examples of controlling behavior online and by cell phone to encourage teens to draw their own line about what is, or is not, acceptable relationship behavior.

Rape: Talk about it, Prevent it Hilda http://www.doh.state.fl.us/family/svpp/materials/default.html Produced by the Florida Council Against Sexual Violence. Posters, brochures, radio ads, videos. 1st: Rape is real. It’s time to talk about rape so we can prevent it. 2nd: Don’t be a bystander to rape. Watch out for each other.

A Policy Response… 2001 Section 71.0021 of the Texas Family Code is amended to include a definition of dating violence. 2003 Section 32.201 is amended and Section 32.202 is added to the Texas Family code allowing shelters to serve minors for up to 14 days in the event of “an emergency constituting immediate danger to the physical health and safety…” 2007 Section 37.0831 is added to the Texas Education Code requiring that all Texas schools adopt a policy on dating violence. Molly

A Policy Response… 2011 Section 28.004 of the Texas Education Code is amended and domestic violence programs are specifically listed as permissive members of School Health Advisory Councils (SHAC’s.) Section 82.002 of the Texas Family Code is amended allowing minor victims of dating violence to apply for protective orders on their own behalf. Molly

A Policy Response… Section 32.201 of the Texas Family Code (cont.) Shelter “…may not be provided after the 15th day…” UNLESS Minor is eligible: to receive financial assistance under Chapter 31, Human Resources Code (TANF) Under 32.202 of the Family Code Molly

Continued shelter may be provided A Policy Response… Section 32.202 of the Texas Family Code Continued shelter may be provided IF 16 years of age or older AND: “(A)  resides separate and apart from the minor's parent…regardless of whether the parent…consents to the residence and regardless of the duration of the residence; and(B)  manages the minor's own financial affairs, regardless of the source of income” OR (2)  unmarried and is pregnant or is the parent of a child. Molly

A Policy Response… What if the minor needs medical treatment? The ability to consent to medical treatment is different for those under 16. Minors under 16 are limited in their ability to consent for treatment but can consent for testing for contagious disease, pregnancy, and substance abuse treatment. Minors over 16 can consent to medical, dental, psychological, and surgical treatment if they reside separately from their parent or conservator and is financially self-supporting Molly

A “Child” may consent to counseling for: A Policy Response… What if the minor needs counseling? Under Section 32.004 of the Texas Family Code: A “Child” may consent to counseling for: (1) suicide prevention; (2)  chemical addiction or dependency; or (3)  sexual, physical, or emotional abuse. BUT it must be by a “A licensed or certified physician, psychologist, counselor, or social worker” AND you may not do so “if consent is prohibited by a court order.” Molly

A Policy Response… The tragic deaths of Ortralla “ Trella” Mosley & Jennifer Ann Crecente spurred a call to action. Carolyn White-Mosley founded Trella’s Foundation in 2005 in memory of her daughter. To learn more go to: http://www.ortrallafoundation.org/about.html Representative Dawnna Dukes championed a new approach in Texas’ response to teen dating violence in schools by passing HB 121. Molly Hilda may say: We have been collecting information on women murdered due to domestic violence in the state of Texas since 1998. In 2003 when Otralla Mosley was murdered, there were 14 other teenagers murdered by their partners in the state of Texas, making it the highest murder rate of teenagers due to IPV. On average, we have 8 teen victims a year and the youngest teen victim was 13 years of age, she was murdered by her 17 year old boyfriend in 2009 in Houston. We know this issue is serious with grave consequences this is why we focus on early interventions.

A Policy Response… HB 121 created Section 37.0831 of the Texas Education Code which requires: Every school district in Texas to adopt a dating violence policy. Molly

A Policy Response… The policy must include a definition of dating violence and address: Safety planning Enforcement of protective orders and school-based alternatives to protective orders Training for teachers and administrators Counseling for affected students Awareness education for students and parents Molly Talks about slide and asks participants if they are familiar with their TDV policy. State that the DV program can help them develop each of these pieces.

A Policy Response… Great progress was made, but there is always more to do… SB 736 (82R) amended Secti0n 28.004 of the Texas Education Code to support the involvement of family violence programs’ on SHACs by expressly listing representatives from these programs as potential members. Molly

A Policy Response… Secti0n 28.004: Is an important tool in assisting Texas’ school districts in complying with the awareness education requirements of Section 37.0831 of the Texas Education Code. Creates a natural pairing between dating violence education and health. Partners experts already serving on local SHACs with those knowledgeable in dating violence to enhance their capacity to shape the way education on this important issue occurs in their district. Molly talks about the slide. Hilda may add: The intention behind this was to integrate TDV prevention into class room curricula. Generally TDV prevention curriculum runs 7-9 sessions. But we need much more than that to change attitudes related to violence.

A Policy Response… Sec. 82.002. WHO MAY FILE APPLICATION. (b)  With regard to family violence under Section 71.004(3), an application for a protective order to protect the applicant may be filed by a member of the dating relationship, regardless of whether the member is an adult or a child. (c)  Any adult may apply for a protective order to protect a child from family violence. (d)  In addition, an application may be filed for the protection of any person alleged to be a victim of family violence by: (1)  a prosecuting attorney; or (2)  the Department of Family and Protective Services. Molly

Implementing a School Wide Approach Hilda

Implementing a school-Wide Approach Talk to your school district and SHAC and discuss ways to address dating violence as a public health issue in your schools. If you don’t have a dating violence policy, look to the model policy produced by the Texas Dating Violence Prevention Team: www.tcfv.org/pdf/hb121/Model%20Teen%20Dating%20Vio lence%20Policy.pdf Link up with your local family violence program. They can be found here: http://www.tcfv.org/resources/service- directory Hilda Ask them if they know who their DV/SA program is? If not, do you know how to find them? As we saw in the video it is important to have connection in order to make referrals. The health center didn’t say, “I’m going to refer you to the RCC” she said, “I am going to refer you to my friend” who works with people who have had similar experiences.

Build a Connection with Your Family Violence Program Family violence programs provide safety planning and support Counselors can refer students who are being abused or abusing others Teachers can get guidance and support dealing with disclosures or crisis intervention Hilda

Build a Connection with Your Family Violence Program Many offer free educational programs and school- based curricula to prevent dating abuse They are a source of up-to-date materials and resources for distribution amongst your students They can support youth to be peer leaders and become voices for change in your school Hilda

What else can you do? Organize a poster campaign. Organize event and movie screenings! February is Teen Dating Violence Awareness and Prevention Month April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month Create bully-free zones! (GLSEN) Distribute the CAFÉ Guide to students! Distribute Love is Respect information. Talk about it! Hilda GLSEN (Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network) Love is Respect: Text number and website 24/7

Make it yours!!! Hilda

Resources Texas Council on Family Violence www.tcfv.org Love Is Respect Live chat with young advocates: www.loveisrespect.org text “loveis” to 77054 to chat with an advocate Hotline number:  1-866-331-9474  Print and order Love Is Respect materials here: http://www.loveisrespect.org/download-materials Rape Abuse Incest National Network hotline http://rainn.org/  1-800-656-4673 (HOPE) Secure, online private chat: https://ohl.rainn.org/online/ Futures Without Violence www.futureswithoutviolence.org Florida Council Against Sexual Violence Posters: http://www.doh.state.fl.us/family/svpp/materials/default.html Hilda

Questions? Contact: Hilda Gutiérrez hgutierrez@tcfv.org 800-525-1978 Molly Voyles mvoyles@tcfv.org Hilda & Molly