California Legislators Look To Curb Problem Of Teen Dating Violence
SACRAMENTO (KCBS) – Teen dating violence is a problem experts say is being overlooked and minimized in California.
Lisa Fujie Parks with the California Partnership to End Domestic Violence said the problem is often hidden from public view, but it does exist.
"There's a pervasive daily harassment and controlling type of behavior that's impacting many young people, particularly girls," she said.
KCBS' Dave Padilla Reports:
Statistics from the U.S. Department of Justice show that young women between the ages of 16 and 24 are more likely to experience intimate partner violence. Overall, nearly 1.5 million high school students nationwide experience some form of abuse from a dating partner in a single year.
Fujie Parks said many adults tend to minimize this abusive behavior.
"In doing so, they send an unfortunate message that this is a form of abuse that's tolerated and acceptable," said Fujie Parks.
She said many schools are not doing as much as they should to prevent teen dating violence.
A special hearing was called on Wednesday by the state Assembly Select Committee on Domestic Violence to further look into the issue.
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