Lawmakers Focus on Dating Violence Education

OKLAHOMA CITY -- A push is being made at the state Capitol to educate kids about dating violence. Lawmakers may require every school to teach about it.

The bill already passed the Senate and its getting support from the Oklahoma Coalition Against Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault. They say it could reduce abuse, a problem that's prevalent in Oklahoma.

"Not all relationships have to have abuse or violence in them," said Andrea Hamor Edmondson, Sexual Violence Prevention Coordinator. 

It's a message some say more teens need to hear.

"It's really important for them to understand early what a healthy relationship looks like and how they can avoid being in a dangerous relationship," Edmondson said.

One way to teach them about what's healthy is in school. The curriculum is already out there and one lawmaker is pushing for the education to go in the classroom.

"The issue of dating violence for 16, 17, 15, 14-year-old is very real, very worrisome, very real and very scary," Senator Tom Adelson (D-District 33) said. 

Senator Adelson amended a Senate bill to include a requirement for all "school districts to incorporate dating violence education that is age-appropriate"...."for students in grades 7 through 12."

"I've got four kids, including a daughter; you know a bit about what can happen," Adelson said. "It's not a safe world. We want to make sure our young people have the information they need when they step out."

While the bill passed the Senate Senator John Ford voted "No." He opposes it, calling it a mandate, saying lawmakers shouldn't force this instruction on districts.

"I believe every school district should have a locally elected school board and those boards know what's best for children in each and every district," Ford said.

Those who know about dating violence believe learning about violence will have an impact on the state's future.

"I think we'll see a reduction in dating violence and as a result of that, kids get older, they'll have more relationships and they'll make more positive choices," Edmondson said.

The bill is now in the hands of the House of Representatives. It must pass there and then pass through the Senate again.

The bill is vague to allow each district to create violence education appropriate for their schools.