LHS offers seminar on dating violence

Violence in teenage dating relationships threatens the health and safety of youths throughout Texas. Dating violence is the intentional use of physical, sexual, verbal or emotional abuse by a person to harm, threaten, intimidate or control another person in a dating relationship. Teen dating violence runs across race, gender and socioeconomic lines.

In May 2007, Gov. Rick Perry signed House Bill 121 into law which assists in safeguarding Texas' youth from dating violence in public schools. The bill requires all schools to establish a program including preventive measures, legal options and assistance to victims of dating violence.

In an effort to enhance the safety of local youths, Lampasas Independent School District has developed a working relationship with the Highland Lakes Family Crisis Center in Marble Falls and is working with the center to address self-esteem, anger management, conflict resolution, bullying, healthy relationships and other topics related to dating violence.

In order to educate parents about dating violence and to share the program with parents, Lampasas ISD will hold a parent meeting Jan. 15 from 6:30-7:30 p.m. in the high school cafeteria. Parents will have the opportunity to meet staff from the crisis center.