Feb. 4-8 is Teen Dating Violence and Prevention Week
Published: 02-05-08
Published: 02-05-08
AUSTIN – Texas First Lady Anita Perry spoke at a news conference today highlighting the serious issue of teen dating violence proclaiming Feb. 4-8 2008 as Teen Dating Violence and Prevention Week.“Relationship abuse among teenagers is unfortunately all too common. Together as parents educators and peers we can make a difference to end the violence” said Mrs. Perry. “We must continue working to increase awareness and access to resources for victims.”
Texas is a model state in addressing teen dating violence. Victims have access to resources such as a national helpline for teen dating violence which is housed in Texas through the Texas Council on Family Violence. In 2007 Texas passed HB 121 by Rep. Dukes that requires every school district in the state to create a dating violence policy. Texas is only the second state in the nation to do this.
The Texas Education Agency provided a grant to the Texas Dating Violence Awareness and Prevention Team for toolkits used in Texas schools. These toolkits educate the community and Texas students about critical warning signs in abusive relationships and the importance of healthy relationships.
Teen Dating Violence Resources:
National Teen Dating Abuse Hotline: 1-866-331-9474 1-866-331-8453 TTY (housed in Austin Texas) for counseling and safety planning.
Dating Violence Legal Line: 1-800-374-HOPE for assistance accessing legal tools such as protective order (stay-away order).
