South Carolina can take a proactive stance to addressing the Domestic Violence quandary that exists in our state. The prevalence of teen dating violence and abuse is a serious problem that must be confronted:
-50\% convicted sexual offenders admit that they committed their first offense before age 18.

-Nearly half of teen girls who have been in a relationship say they have been victims of verbal, physical, or sexual abuse by their boyfriends.*

-One in five 13-14 year olds in relationships say they know friends and peers who have been struck in anger (kicked, hit, slapped, or punched) by a boyfriend or girlfriend.*

I am a concerned parent/teacher/citizen, and I want all teenagers to be taught about healthy relationships, to learn how to recognize the signs of abuse, and know where to get help if they are in an abusive relationship.

I am signing this online petition to ask my state legislators to support Senate bill 266 and House bill 3202 which is legislation that would ensure that every middle school and high school in the South Carolina is inclduing in Health curriculum, information about teen dating abuse every year and has a strong policy against it. I support the resolution passed by all 50 Attorney Generals recommending new legislation to bring teen dating violence and abuse education to all schools. Together, we can take a stand to protect our children and through education, break the cycle of domestic violence.