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