Dukes Works To Protect Teens From Dating Violence In Texas Public Schools

[Press Release from State Rep. Dawnna Dukes (D-Austin)]
AUSTIN — The first full week of February has once again been declared “National Teen Dating Violence Awareness and Prevention Week” by resolution of the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives. This resolution calls on government representatives and agencies, private organizations and public officials to promote activities in their communities that raise awareness about the high incidence of teen dating violence.

For many years State Representative Dawnna Dukes (D-Austin) has been an active participant in helping children develop the skills to make positive choices in life, while
striving to promote a violence-free school environment to ensure academic and social success for children of all ages.
“National Teen Dating Violence Awareness and Prevention Week is an opportunity for Texans to initiate conversations about, highlight resources for victims of, and increase
efforts to prevent teen dating violence. We must work together to end teen dating violence and promote gender respect,” said Representative Dukes.
Representative Dukes has re- filed legislation which will assist in safeguarding our youth from dating violence occurring in Texas public schools. House Bill 121 will guide school districts in establishing effective and consistent responses to incidents and disclosures of dating violence that occur among students and should help to reduce the incident rate of teen dating violence. The bill requires that schools establish a Teen Dating Violence Awareness program that includes prevent ive measures, legal options, and assistance to all victims.
Violence in teenage dating relationships threatens the health and safety of youth throughout Texas. It results in serious injury and even death, as in the case of Ortralla Mosley who was killed by her ex-boyfriend at Austin’s Reagan High School on March 28, 2003. Another talented young woman’s life was tragically cut short in Austin just last February: Jennifer Crecente was an honor student at Bowie High School who was also killed by her boyfriend.
“This bill provides a tool for us to ensure that we protect our children and secure their futures. We need to stand behind and actively support this bill that helps our children. Representative Dukes is doing a wonderful job, and I support her 100 percent. God bless her for the work she is doing.”, said Caroline Mosley, mother of Ortralla Mosley.
Teen dating violence is a serious problem. In a first-ever statewide survey, fifty percent of students reported having personally experienced dating violence, whether as the target
or abuser. Two out of five teens and young adults said they have experienced verbal abuse; one out of four reported physical violence; and one out of five reported sexual
violence. Findings show that three out of four 16- to 24-year-old Texans have personally experienced dating violence or know someone who has. These violent behaviors and patterns, which can cause serious ramifications for victims, often carry through into their adult relationships. Exposure to violence is an unfortunate reality in our schools today and too often our educators and students are unprepared to appropriately recognize, prevent and address that violence.
“It is time to stop the cycle of dating violence that is depriving us of too many promising young lives. We must bring to an end the horrifying tragedies that claimed the lives of Ortralla, Jennifer and countless others. We must send out the message that dating violence will not be tolerated. The children of the State of Texas deserve a learning environment that is safe and secure”, said Representative Dukes.