Usage of two dating violence prevention programs being used nationwide proposed to Rockwall ISD

To help prevent the nation’s dating violence epidemic from increasing in Rockwall County, I met yesterday with Rockwall ISD Superintendent Dr. Gene Burton and Communications Director Sheri Fowler to propose that the school district immediately begin incorporating two state-of-the-art dating abuse prevention and reduction programs which are currently being used in hundreds of schools across the nation.

Also in attendance were new Rockwall District Attorney Kenda Culpepper and Vicki Oldham, child abuse & sex crimes investigator for the Rockwall County Sheriff’s Office, whom I had also invited to learn more about the programs.

Proposed for use were the “Choose Respect” campaign – which targets 11-14-year-olds before they begin dating – plus the “Love Is Not Abuse” classroom curriculum, designed to prevent and reduce dating violence among high school age youth.

Associated with the new National Teen Dating Abuse Helpline, both high-quality programs deal with current dating violence issues – such as new technology – since they were each created and updated during the past three years.

They include interactive learning tools, websites, videos, discussion topics, teaching tips and  recommendations for generating strong community support.

The Choose Respect campaign was developed by the nation’s CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) of the U.S. Health & Human Services Dept. It was rolled out nationwide in 2006 in ten major cities, including Houston and San Antonio. It can be found online at www.chooserespect.org.

The Love Is Not Abuse classroom curriculum was developed by leading educators for Liz Claiborne Inc, a leader in the nation’s fight against domestic and dating violence. It can be found at www.loveisnotabuse.com.

The meeting went well, as I cited statistics and explained the need for and benefits of incorporating these high-quality programs into the RISD. After a short discussion about dating violence and how much more schools must teach nowadays than just “the three Rs,” Dr. Burton confirmed that RISD will do whatever it takes to deal with this issue. Already, he said RISD is planning several special presentations in the Spring.

As the meeting concluded Dr. Burton asked that I develop an impactful presentation, as soon as possible, which we can show to the RISD staff and community to explain the need and benefit of such a comprehensive program. He said RISD will help with technology, and hopes that the District Attorney’s office, law enforcement and others will assist me, as well.

Can’t wait to begin this project!

New Rockwall DA, Rowlett Mayor to join Rockwall County efforts

New Rockwall County District Attorney Kenda Culpepper and Rowlett Mayor Dr. John Harper have agreed to join our family violence prevention efforts across Rockwall County.

Kenda said she is anxious to really make a difference by reducing and preventing family violence countywide. She will provide updated statistics on a regular basis.

Dr. Harper expressed sincere concern for family violence victims and an interest in helping because one of his own family members has had the unfortunate experience.

Rockwall ISD Superintendent pledges to help develop family, dating violence presentations

Rockwall ISD Superintendent Dr. Gene Burton pledged today in a meeting with members of the Rockwall County Coalition Against Family Violence to contribute RISD technology to help develop video and powerpoint presentations to combat family and dating violence across Rockwall County.

Dr. Burton said he agreed that public education can be of great benefit in the community to help prevent the growing problems of family and dating violence, and that he and RISD will do whatever is possible to assist.

RISD Communications Director Sheri Fowler will assist Lillian Smith members with the technology to organize the presentations.

Also discussed at the meeting were alternative options to best educate students at all grade levels, including the Expect Respect curriculum currently being used in Hunt County by the Women In Need Women’s Shelter, as well as the Love Is Not Abuse program created by the Liz Claiborne Foundation, which is being used by hundreds of school districts nationwide.

A dramatic presentation called “The Yellow Dress,” was recommended for consideration by Lillian Smith members.

Attendees at the meeting were representatives from Women In Need, Rockwall Presbyterian Hospital, RISD, the Lillian Smith Foundation, plus the incoming Rockwall County District Attorney Kenda Culpepper.

AFter the meeting, she said she was very excited to learn about the Coalition and it’s workings. She added that she is anxious to take office so she can also help prevent and reduce family violence through the courts and criminal justice system.