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Columbia Addresses Teen Dating Violence in February

Teenagers engaging in conversation at a sports event promoting respect and healthy relationships.

News Summary

The city of Columbia, in collaboration with Richland School District One, is actively combating teen dating violence this February during Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month. The initiative includes outreach at high school basketball games to raise awareness, promote healthy relationships, and facilitate conversations between teens and families. Alongside the community efforts, legislative changes to protect victims of dating violence are also being considered in South Carolina, aiming to close gaps in current laws and foster inclusivity.

Columbia Takes a Stand Against Teen Dating Violence This February

In a heartwarming and proactive move, the city of Columbia is joining forces with Richland School District One to tackle the critical issue of teen dating violence this February. As part of **Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month**, local authorities are stepping up their efforts to raise awareness and promote healthy relationships among young people.

A Helping Hand to Teens and Families

At the forefront of this initiative is the city’s Office of Neighborhood Safety and Engagement, affectionately known as ONSE. These dedicated staff members will be out in full force at high school basketball games, eager to engage with students, parents, and educators alike. Their goal? To spread the word about violence prevention and highlight what an unhealthy relationship looks like. Because, let’s face it, not every relationship is as picture-perfect as it seems on social media.

Starting Important Conversations

One of the key focuses of this partnership is facilitating **conversations** about respect and healthy relationships. It’s all about creating a safe and open environment where students and parents can discuss what it means to love and respect one another. ONSE plans to distribute a range of informative materials during these games, including hotline cards and stickers featuring the encouraging message, “Respect is the Rule!” It’s a simple yet powerful reminder that respect should be at the heart of every relationship.

Resources for Support

For teens and families affected by dating violence, the resources available are just a text or call away. The National Dating Abuse Hotline can be reached simply by texting LOVEIS to 22522 or by calling 1-866-331-9474. If there’s ever a situation where immediate danger is present, dialing 911 is the best course of action. It’s essential that everyone knows they have options and support available to help them navigate these challenging situations.

Legislative Moves Towards Protection

In the backdrop of this initiative, a Senate Judiciary subcommittee is actively considering legislation aimed at increasing protections for victims of domestic violence in South Carolina. Did you know that South Carolina is one of only four states where dating partners aren’t eligible for protection orders in cases of domestic abuse? This is a critical gap that many advocates are rallying to close.

The proposed legislation is designed to encompass both teen and adult victims of dating violence, which would be a significant step forward. Current laws are restrictive, only allowing those who are married, have been married, share a child, or have lived together to seek protection orders. Changing that means recognizing and protecting all victims, regardless of their living arrangements or whether they have children together.

Inclusion and Support for All

In an effort to foster inclusivity, the new legislative proposals aim to replace outdated terms such as “male and female” with the more inclusive term “persons.” This small shift can make a world of difference for same-sex couples who currently face hurdles in obtaining protection. The legislation will also consider factors like the length and nature of the relationship when determining who is eligible for protection orders, making it easier for those who may not fit into traditional definitions of relationships.

The Path Forward

However, it’s essential to note that this proposal has seen pushback. The National Rifle Association has expressed concerns that the broad language could infringe on Second Amendment rights. These types of legislative battles are not new; similar proposals have struggled to gain traction in the past. Yet, there is budding optimism as bipartisan support appears to be building in the House of Representatives this year. That’s a promising sign that change could be on the horizon!

Join the Conversation

As Columbia makes strides to combat teen dating violence, it encourages everyone in the community to engage in this important conversation. Whether it’s through educational efforts or legislative changes, every step taken is a step towards a safer, healthier future for our youth. So, keep an eye out at those basketball games and let’s rally together for respect and love in relationships—because everyone deserves that!