Health & Fitness
HARRISBURG, PA - State Sen. Sean Logan (D-Allegheny/Westmoreland) introduced legislation that would require school districts to establish a policy on dating violence similar to ones used to discourage bullying.
“Teen dating violence is occurring in high schools all across the country and both males and females can be victims,” Logan said. “It is essential that students are educated on healthy relationships, warning signs and resources prior to getting involved in an abusive relationship.”
Logan said that Laurie MacDonald, Executive Director of Womansplace Inc., a domestic violence counseling center and shelter and Dr. Linda Croushore of The Consortium for Public Education came to him with the idea for the legislation.
Recognizing the need to provide support for students who may be at risk for teen dating violence, Womansplace and the Consortium for Public Education have partnered to bring the Expect Respect teen dating violence prevention program to six southwestern Pennsylvania school districts. “All students deserve to learn in a comfortable environment, free from harassment, intimidation and violence. They also need to have the opportunity to learn about healthy relationships and end the cycle of violence that so many suffer as adults.” Croushore and MacDonald said. “We greatly appreciate Senator Logan introducing this important legislation, creating awareness and helping to end the violence taking place in teen relationships.”
Under Logan’s bill, Senate Bill 1116, each school district would be required to implement a policy to address dating violence no later than July 1, 2010. The policy would be publicly accessible on the school’s website and also posted in every classroom. The dating violence policy would include the procedures for reporting dating violence, contact information and resources about the issue, and the potential disciplinary consequences and appropriate intervention procedures.
The anti-bullying legislation, enacted last year, required that each of the state's public schools adopt a policy to deal with bullying. The anti-bullying policy includes a prevention program and details disciplinary action for bullies.
“It is imperative that we continue to improve the safety of our schools,” Logan said.
“This bill, like the anti-bullying legislation, will address a growing problem and protect our children from unnecessary physical and psychological harm.”
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