If you had to get a protective order against someone you dated, what would happen if they went to your school? Or if the ex that was stalking you was in your chemistry class? Would your school help you?
Texas, Rhode Island, and Massachusetts are some of the very few states that have passed leglislation requiring schools to have a response to dating abuse situations. This can include teaching dating abuse awareness in health class, enforcing protective orders on campus, and safety planning with students who report being in abusive relationships.
Sign this petition, sponsored by Jennifer Ann’s Group, to show your support for dating abuse legislation and education in your own state.
I was surfing YouTube the other day and I found this great video:
The PSA is great because it gives an overview of topics that we hear about a lot on calls and chats, and stresses the fact that these situations are no less serious or dangerous because the people in the relationships are teens.
The video was produced by pre-teen, and teenage women participating in the Reel Grrls program, an after school program to get youth involved in media. Way to go, Reel Grrls, keep up the socially conscious work!
Videos should challenge others to get involved in ending dating abuse issues in their community and can be up to two minutes long. Check out their website for more information and the complete rules. Winners to be announced in Fall 2008. We can’t wait to see them!
Check out our video library of teens who've spoken out against dating violence and learn how you can lend your voice to the cause.