Bonamici, Adams, Maloney Introduce Bill to Teach Safe Relationships

Washington, D.C. – Congresswomen Suzanne Bonamici (OR-01), Alma Adams (NC-12), and Carolyn Maloney (NY-12) introduced a bill that will update sex education curriculum to include the teaching of safe relationships.

Young women between the ages of 16 and 24 experience the highest rate of intimate partner violence. The Teach Safe Relationships Act of 2015 includes prevention and intervention policies for students experiencing domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, stalking, or sex traffickingThe bill will amend the Elementary and Secondary Schools Act to require “safe relationships behavior” as part of sex education. It authorizes grants to educate staff and administration, and requires all grantees to develop curriculum for young people that promotes safe relationship behavior.

“This bill represents an important step toward creating safer environments and safer relationships for young people,” Congresswoman Bonamici said. “The recent increase in reports of sexual assault on our college campuses is troubling. With this bill will young people will learn about healthy, safe relationships earlier, and be better able to identify bad behavior and take action. Sexual assault and dating violence are serious issues, and I am committed to working with schools, advocates, and students on prevention.”

“Far too many young people become victims of dating violence and sexual abuse,” said Congresswoman Adams. “The Teach Safe Relationships Act is much needed legislation that would expose students to the damaging effects of sexual abuse and dating violence. By teaching our students the differences between healthy and unhealthy relationships, we can help ensure young people can make more informed decisions that allow them to maintain healthier relationships, free from abuse and violence.”

“Young women and men need to understand what relationship violence is, and where to turn when they have experienced abuse,” Congresswoman Maloney said. “Teaching safe relationships needs to be a part of sexual education curricula, and we should provide schools with the resources they need to reach every student. With a small investment today, we can spare countless women the painful physical and mental scars of abuse that haunt them later in life. We need to teach students that help is available, and that violence in any form from the people you love is never acceptable.”