Evidence of Dating Violence Found among Middle School Students

Daily Bulletin
Nearly one in 11 high school students have reported experiencing some form of dating violence, according to a national study, and some local officials say they're seeing alarming numbers and evidence of abusive relationships among even younger students.

"The youngest I've known of were 11 and 12," said Sheri Dorn, an English teacher at Upland High School who incorporates teaching about dating violence and gender roles in her curriculum.

One in six seventh-grade students reported being a victim of physical abuse at the hands of a boyfriend or girlfriend, according to a national study conducted by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation for Blue Shield of California.

"This is something that really isn't spoken about or taught in the schools and it's so important to educate our young people about it," she said.

For nearly a decade, Dorn has been speaking out and trying to bring the topic of teen dating violence to the attention of students, parents and other educators and school systems. She has lectured on the topic at educational conferences.

"People think this is only an adult problem that only takes place between a husband and wife or a boyfriend and girlfriend who live together, but that's not the case," she said.

Many believe the actual numbers may be higher because teens often do not report incidents of abuse or are not aware they are experiencing abuse.

Safe Havens, International

Boy, 16, Charged with Trying to Sexually Assault 2 Girls Walking to School in Loudoun County

Sterling, VA
A 16-year-old has been charged with trying to sexually assault two girls, ages 14 and 12, who were walking to school in Loudoun County.

The Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office says the girls were walking to school Monday morning in the area of Seneca Ridge Drive and Augusta Drive when they were approached by the 16-year-old, who tried to grab them. The two girls were able to free themselves, and a male teen who witnessed the incident chased the 16-year-old from the area.

As investigation led authorities to the suspect. Authorities did not identify the teen but said he is from Sterling, Va. He is charged with two counts of abduction with intent to defile and two counts of aggravated sexual battery. He is being held at a juvenile detention center.

Justice Department Study Reveals School Officials More Likely to Learn of Child Victimization

Washington, DC

According to the research, school officials knew about victimization episodes more often (42 percent) than police (13 percent) or medical personnel (2 percent). Police were the most likely to know about kidnapping, neglect and sexual abuse by an adult. School, police and medical authorities knew about a majority of serious victimizations, including incidents of sexual abuse by an adult, gang assaults and kidnappings, but were mostly unaware of other kinds of serious victimizations, such as dating violence, rape and attempted rape.

A Threat of Violence Leads to a Lockdown and an Arrest

Sam Rayburn High School, in Pasadena, TX, went into lockdown when Pasadena police received a tip of a threat against a student which named the perpetrator, a 28-year old man.

Dating Violence in 12-Year Olds

A disturbing story of dating violence in The China Post.  On in six state they've experienced physical violence from their partner.

A definite parenting opportunity, and a teachable moment.