Teens to be taught to avoid abusive relationships

Newton North High School is one of 10 schools nationwide that will pilot a curriculum on teen dating violence next year to better educate students on the dangers of an abusive relationship.

The curriculum is being developed by the international nonprofit Education Development Center and funded by women’s clothing manufacturer Liz Claiborne.

“Liz Claiborne has been doing work in domestic violence work for 14 years,” said Christine Blaber, project director at the Education Development Center. “And we already have a very large health curriculum in grades six through 12, used in 7,000 schools across the U.S.”

Last year, Liz Claiborne commissioned a research study on the subject of teen dating violence. The study, conducted by Illinois-based Teenage Research Unlimited, found that 13 percent of teen girls in a relationship admit to being physically hurt. One in four has been pressured into sex, and one in five said a boyfriend has threatened violence or self-harm in the event of a breakup.

The study also said that 63 percent of respondents would find it helpful to learn about dating violence in school.

Read the full article (Daily News Tribune)