Too many people are taught about romance before they are ever taught about red flags. We teach math, history, english, and science, but we still leave so many young people to figure out manipulation, control, fear, and emotional harm on their own. By the time someone realizes they are wearing their heart out and wasting years of their life, the damage is already deep. Prevention has to start earlier, and it has to be honest.

I am calling on state education leaders and legislators to require age-appropriate education on healthy relationships and warning signs in middle and high school. Students should learn how to recognize controlling behavior, coercion, intimidation, and isolation, and they should know where to turn for help without shame. This is not about judging people's private lives. It is about making sure young people can recognize danger before it becomes a lifetime of pain.

If domestic violence awareness means anything, it has to mean action. It has to mean giving people the language, support, and clarity to trust themselves when something feels wrong. Please sign this petition and demand that schools teach healthy relationship warning signs before more people are left to learn these lessons the hardest way possible.