[Hsparents] Teen Dating Violence Week

[Glenda Allen]

Next week, Devine ISD will  recognize Teen Dating Violence Awareness and
Prevention Week.

Teen dating violence has been characterized by the Center of Disease
Control (CDC) as a major health problem, and this summer the Texas
legislature mandated through House Bill 121 that all school districts in
Texas adopt and implement a dating violence policy.

Devine High School hopes to make students and staff aware of the
seriousness of teen dating violence by giving teen dating violence facts
during daily announcements, presenting information in health classes, and
providing additional information on posters and websites.

It is also our hope that parents will dialogue with their child about teen
dating violence since many parents are not aware that it is even a problem
(see Parental Awareness facts below). We are providing information on our
website: www.devineisd.org (Site Index--Health link) to assist you with
these discussions, and you can also receive information from DHS Assistant
Principal, Melissa Welstead or DHS Counselor, Roland Cadena.

Parental Awareness:
81% of parent surveyed either believe teen dating violence is not an issue
or admit they don't know its an issue.  "Women's Health", June/July 2004

A majority of parents (54%) admit they've not spoken to their child about
dating violence. 
Empower Program, 2000

Prevalence and Frequency:
Approximately 1 in 5 female high school students report being physically
and/or sexually abused by a dating partner.  Journal of American Medical
Association, Vol. 286 (No. 5, 2)

Half of the reported date rapes occur among teenagers. California
Coalition Against Sexual Assult, 
2002 Report

For these and more facts on teen dating violence, you can visit the two
websites below .These two links and many more can be found on the district
website: www.devineisd.org (Site Index--Health link)

Teen Dating Violence Facts                  
http://www.abanet.org/unmet/teendating/facts.pdf
Teen Dating  Viloence Warning Signs    
http://www.abanet.org/unmet/teendating/warningsigns.pdf

Thank you.

Glenda Allen
Director of Special Programs
Devine ISD
205 W. College
Devine, TX 78016
(830) 851-0703
FAX (830) 663-6706