State Begins Teaching Dating Violence Classes
A new law in Rhode Island requires that all public middle and high schools teach students about the signs and dangers of dating violence in their health classes. The law is named the Lindsay Ann Burke Act after a 23-year-old who died as a result of being involved in an abusive relationship.Texas is the only other state that has a similar law on the books.
"If this could happen to her, this could happen to anyone," said Ann Burke, mother of Lindsay and a health teacher. She and her husband Chris lobbied for the new law and set up a memorial fund to raise money for dating violence workshops for parents and educators.
The law is aimed at teaching teens "the warning signs of abusive relationships and broach the subject head-on so victims feel empowered to get help and leave violent partners," Burke said. The program focuses on nurturing good relationships as well as avoiding abusive ones.
Victims of Domestic Violence
Rhode Island Attorney General Patrick Lynch also helped push the new law through the legislature. She said her office receives about 5,000 cases a year that involve domestic violence.
"You teach sex ed, you teach 'don't do drugs,' you teach 'don't drink,' you should also be teaching 'don't be a victim of domestic violence,'" Lynch told reporters.
More states may begin adopting policies like Rhode Island's after members of the National Association of Attorneys General unanimously adopting a resolution encouraging the domestic violence education.
The Death of Lindsay Burke
Lindsay Burke began a relationship with Gerardo Martinez after they met at a wedding. At first he seemed respectful and nice, but eventually he began exerting more and more control over her, including text messaging her excessively.
To get away from Martinez, Lindsay moved out of her parents' home in moved into her brother's house. In September 2005, her mother became concerned when Lindsay stopped answering her phone. Police later found Lindsay in the bathtub of Martinez's home with her throat cut.
In 2007, Martinez was convicted of first-degree murder and sentenced to life without parole.
See Also:
RI Schools Required to Teach About Dating Violence
More Information:
Help for Victims of Domestic Violence
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Comments
The rate at which violence against women happens in this country is appauling. This is one of the reasons that I stated PepperEyes.com so that people can be armed with the tools and knowledge to help them live safer lives.
Victor
http://www.peppereyes.com
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If this doesn’t open everyones eyes on just how serious domestic violence and abuse agianst women is. Then nothing ever will.
The police departments, every shelter or any women or man in an abusive sittuation it’s a must for them to listen to.
as bad as violence against women is.and i think there is nothing lower than a man hitting a woman.why is this being taught in schools??this is why kids today think alexander hamilton on the ten dollar bill and benjamin frankin on the 100 dollar bill are presidents.schools teach more social issues which are opinions than teaching actual facts like history.
I disagree with Victor yes history is important, but lets not for get todays events are will be tommorow’s history
Vilonce in the past was acted and frowned up on. Family religion and hard work is what the for fathers built this country on.
There is WAY to much violence today and what better place then in school to teach the future generation the act of vilonce on anyone
is wrong.