At the age of just 16, like many high schoolers, I found myself in an innocent relationship that, unexpectedly and horrifically, escalated into a cycle of abuse and control, a cycle I now recognize as characteristic of domestic violence. At the time, I lacked the knowledge to identify the situation for what it was and to understand the legal rights and resources at my disposal. Believing my experience to be normal, I hid it from my parents and silently endured. I share this personal journey with you not for your pity but as a rallying cry for an urgent reform: for the implementation of extensive domestic violence education in the 9th through 12th-grade curriculum in all public schools across our nation.

Every year, about 1.5 million high school students nationwide experience physical abuse from a dating partner and only 33% of teens who were in an abusive relationship ever told anyone about the abuse (LoveIsRespect.org). In the United States, up to 19% of teens experience sexual or physical dating violence, about half face stalking or harassment, and as many as 65% report being psychologically abused (“Teen Dating Violence,” Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention, U.S. Department of Justice, 2022).

 Prioritizing education on domestic violence can empower young people with the crucial knowledge and tools to recognize early signs of abuse, understand their rights, and learn how to get help. When we provide our children with this life-saving education, we foster not only their safety but their emotional well-being and growth as individuals.

While California does provide some education on domestic violence, it is a part of sex education when it needs to stand alone. Additionally, California has a large Hispanic community. The negatives of machismo culture, which influences domestic violence in the Hispanic community, need to be taught to our Hispanic youth.  

Please sign this petition and stand with us. Let's work together to ensure our children's safety and equip them with the knowledge they need to navigate their relationships wisely and healthily.