Domestic violence prevention programs are already working in communities and schools to prevent the teen dating violence with education and resources for victims of abuse. The first step is reaching out to your local program to set up a prevention plan. You’ll learn about effective ways to provide support and referrals for students who have experienced abuse.

We’re asking education leaders to consider adopting the following recommendations:

• Pass and implement comprehensive school policies that focus on prevention and intervention of teen dating violence amongst your student body.
  • Train all school staff, teachers, administrators, athletic staff, and support personnel to be prepared to intervene when they see or hear abusive behavior.
  • Incorporate curriculum on healthy relationships and dating abuse into the health education program and other appropriate courses.  Doing so would support positive social and emotional learning that build adolescents’ skills for healthy and respectful relationships.
  • Communicate your school’s commitment to safe learning environments to students, parents and caregivers.

Thank you for taking the time to consider these recommendations. If you would like to hear more of the impact that teen dating violence has in our schools and ways in which we can prevent its impact, read the joint policy brief by the California Partnership to End Domestic Violence and the California School Boards Association. Additionally, you can feel free to contact Micah Zimmermaker, Prevention and Education Policy Specialist at the Partnership, at Micah@cpedv.org.