Letter to the Editor re: Teen Dating Violence

To The Editor:

Teen dating violence is not a subject that anyone finds easy to talk about, but talking about it is something we should do to raise awareness and, hopefully, protect the teenagers in our lives. That is why I am working with the National Foundation for Women Legislators and MADE (Moms and Dads for Education) to ensure that all young people are educated about the devastating consequences of teen dating violence and abuse.

As it has every year since 2004, Liz Claiborne Inc. has organized “It’s Time to Talk Day” to draw national attention to the importance of talking about domestic violence, teen dating violence and intimate partner abuse.

On this year’s “It’s Time To Talk Day” – Thursday, December 3rd – MADE will officially re-launch the Love Is Not Abuse curriculum for teenage school students with a section on digital abuse.

More information about “It’s Time To Talk Day” and the Love Is Not Abuse curriculum is available at www.loveisnotabuse.com/made. I believe that all school health curriculums for older children should at least touch on the subject of violence in relationships and inform students that this type of behavior is not acceptable and must not be tolerated. Please feel free to contact my legislative office if you would like to know more about efforts to protect teenagers from dating violence. I can be reached at 1-800-842-1421, or via e-mail to [email protected].