Teen dating violence is a sad reality in Idaho

On behalf of the Bonner County Domestic Violence Task Force (BCDV), the Women’s Center and V.A.S.T., we would like to say thank you to the teachers, administration and staff in Bonner County schools, both Lake Pend Oreille School District and West Bonner County School District. We appreciate your flexibility and hospitality in letting the BCDV Task Force members present teen dating violence information in your classrooms.

Unfortunately, teen dating violence among our youth in Idaho is a reality. One that through information and education can help be prevented. The 2007 Idaho Youth Risk Behavior Study found among Idaho Students that 14 percent were hit, slapped, or physically hurt by their boyfriends or girlfriends in the past year.

The same survey found that as many as 1 in 3 teens in a dating relationship reports being abused and that 1 in 2 teens reports compromising their beliefs to please their partner.

In the classrooms we learned a lot from your students and hoped they did the same from us. The teen dating violence curriculum presented came from the Idaho Teen Dating Violence Awareness & Prevention Project curriculum, “No Means Know”. You can learn about the curriculums goals and objectives at http://www.idvsa.org/ under the Training tab.

Topics covered depending on age group and class were Healthy Friendships; Healthy Relationships; Use of Technology and Child Exploitation Law, ie: Sexting, MySpace, Facebook, Instant Messaging; Idaho Statutory Rape Law; Gender Roles; Types of Abuse; and Sexual Assault. At every presentation, a VAST (Victims Advocate Services Team) domestic violence advocate was available to answer questions.

VAST advocates are a group of individuals specifically trained in domestic violence and sexual assault crisis intervention.

Please feel free to contact us if you have any questions or are interested in presentations. We look forward to a continued partnership with our school districts and in our community fighting youth and domestic violence.

Please note — locally through VAST, anyone can reach an advocate anytime, day or night on our 24- hour line, (208) 265-3586. Or, you can stop by the office anytime Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-4 p.m.

We are located in the Bonner County Courthouse, in the same hallway as the Driver’s License office. No appointment is necessary. We provide direct, immediate services to victims of all crime, including victims of domestic violence and sexual assault. Services include referrals, civil protection orders, court advocacy, legal referrals, transportation issues, shelter and education.

In addition, the Women’s Center in Kootenai County provides similar services for victims of domestic violence and sexual assault and has a 24-hour Crisis Line, (208) 664-1443 and a 24-hour Rape Crisis Line, (208) 661-2522.

CALLIE KETNER

Bonner County

rural coordinator

Women’s Center, Inc.

Sandpoint