Help Prevent Teen Dating Violence
A new Illinois law aimed at preventing unhealthy dating relationships requires middle schools and high schools to incorporate age appropriate education about teen dating violence into their curriculum. As a result, beginning this school year, our schools will be teaching students the signs and symptoms of an unhealthy relationship, how to respond, and who to notify. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that one in eleven adolescents say they have been the victim of physical dating violence. Healthy or unhealthy relationship habits may develop early. High school students report that they see dating violence among their peers. Dating violence during teen years can lead to unhealthy relationships. This may disrupt normal development, and can contribute to other destructive behaviors in our children. If you would like more information about teen dating violence, please contact the building principal, social worker, or guidance counselor.
Erin’s Law
Erin’s Law is named after childhood sexual assault survivor, author, speaker and activist Erin Merryn. Erin’s Law (in Illinois, Public Act 96-1524) mandates that Illinois public schools provide training to certified staff on prevention of child sexual abuse. It also mandates that public school children pre-kindergarten through 12th grade be educated on how to protect themselves from sexual abuse. Students learn age-appropriate techniques to recognize child sexual abuse and tell a trusted adult. School personnel learn about child sexual abuse. Any questions or concerns can be addressed by building administrators, guidance counselors or school social workers.