For Educators

• Nearly half of students who experience dating violence say some of the abuse took place on school grounds.
• Studies indicate that  teens who are abused by a dating partner have higher rates of truancy, more negative contact with their teachers and increased conflict with other students.
• Students who experience dating abuse are substantially more likely than classmates to bring guns or weapons to school and are three times as likely to be involved in physical fights.

Dating violence has a particularly damaging effect on schools, students and the learning environment. Hazelden and Break the Cycle’s Respect WORKS! comprehensive model for dating violence prevention helps educators:

• Establish solid prevention programs and intervention policy.
• Ensure all staff are well trained to respond effectively to dating violence issues in the classroom and on campus.
• Protect schools and staff from legal and liability issues.

What You Can Do

As an educator, you are often a first responder to dating violence. While schools are especially affected by dating violence, they also provide a rich setting for proactively addressing abuse. You can help make your school safer by implementing the Respect WORKS! model on your campus.

For more information about the role of educators, visit www.breakthecycle.org/im-an-educator.