Crapo Announces Domestic Violence Summit

Idaho Falls, ID â??A summit to raise awareness in Eastern Idaho about domestic violence is set to take place in June, announced Fred Zundel, coordinator of the summit, and Idaho Senator Mike Crapo today at a news conference in Idaho Falls. Crapo also voiced his support for resources in high schools that will address the growing problem of teen dating violence. The Idaho Summit on Developing a Coordinated Community Response to Domestic Violence, which will be held at Idaho State University in Pocatello and will feature community leaders, health professionals, law enforcement and others. Crapo is scheduled to speak specifically on teen dating violence at the summit on June 2. Crapo also endorsed a curriculum, provided free to schools, that helps raise awareness of teen dating violence, both physical and emotional. â??Bringing this information to schools is vital to keep our kids safe and out of abusive relationships that have negative lifelong affects,â?? Crapo said. â??Our young students need all the tools to confront the problem of teen dating violence. This curriculum provided by Liz Claiborne is just one of many that can help provide those resources.â??The Liz Claiborne teen dating violence prevention curriculum, â??Love Is Not Abuse,â?? draws on poetry, essays, writing and literature for students to build open discussion, life skills and literacy. The curriculum is designed to be used as a resource in classrooms and encourages discussion between teens and with teachers and other adults about abusive behavior. Crapo has been a long-time advocate for raising awareness on violent relationships and authored a Senate resolution earlier this year that declared February 6-10 National Teen Dating Violence Awareness Week. For more information on these and other teen dating violence initiatives, go to http://crapo.senate.gov, www.loveisnotabuse.com, or www.breakthecycle.org.