Violence Education Bill Clears Assembly
A bill encouraging schools to teach domestic violence prevention passed the Assembly this week with bipartisan support.
The legislation, written by Assemblywoman Hannah-Beth Jackson (D-Santa Barbara), would mean that domestic violence prevention could be taught in schools beginning in the 2002-03 school year. It would be included in the curriculum for students in grades one through 12.
Gov. Gray Davis vetoed similar legislation last year, but Jackson said she has been working with the governor’s office to write the new legislation. This year’s bill, AB 1917, passed with a 56-19 vote.
“Millions of children grow up in homes where they witness domestic violence,” Jackson said in a written statement. “This measure is necessary to help break the cycle of violence that has destroyed far too many lives.”
Researchers estimate that 3.3 million to 10 million children are exposed to domestic violence each year, affecting their self-esteem, behavior and academic performance.
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