Los Gatos Police Combats Teen Dating Violence

The case of a University of Virginia student killed at the hand of her abusive ex-boyfriend in May of 2010 has put the issue of dating violence on the forefront.

And to combat what experts say is a growing epidemic, the Los Gatos-Monte Sereno Police Department is presenting a free workshop on dating violence at 5:30 p.m., Thursday, May 17 at the Los Gatos United Methodist Church, 111 Church St.

According to a press release issued by the department this week, teen dating violence statistics are alarming and raise concerns for school administrators.

Local authorities released the following data about the growing problem:

• One in three people are affected by physical, sexual or verbal violence while dating.
• Approximately one in five high school students report being physically (slapped, pushed, hit, threatened or coerced) and/or sexually abused by a dating partner.
• Nearly 25 percent of 14-17 year-olds surveyed know at least one student who was a victim of dating violence.
• One out of 10 teenagers knows multiple victims of dating violence. One third of teens surveyed have actually witnessed such an event.
• Thirty nine percent of female high school students report that students talk in school about whether someone is attempting to control the person they're dating.
• When female high school students were asked whom they would talk to if someone they date is attempting to control them, insults them, or physically harms them, 86 percent said they would confide in a friend, while only 7 percent said they would talk to police.
• Five domestic violence deaths were reported in 2010 and 16 occurred in 2011 in Santa Clara County—including the

The workshop is presented in collaboration with the Santa Clara County Domestic Violence Information and Resource Collaborative, Next Door Solutions to Domestic Violence and LGUMC.

"Abusive relationships can be recognized in many forms, not just physical, and often are not realized or identified by the victims or witnesses," the department said in the release.

"The workshop provides an opportunity for teenagers, families and supporters to learn about early signs of domestic and teen violence, how the system works in terms of reporting abuse, and how to obtain services and resources needed to stop the abuse."

Santa Clara County Domestic Violence Information and Resource Collaborative has conducted more than 20 workshops across the county to raise awareness and promote resources and information about domestic violence.

Several public and community agencies are expected to participate at the workshop, including the county's Office of Women's Policy, the Superior Court, the Department of Mental Health, the Social Services Agency, the Office of the Public Defender, the Probation Department, the Office of the Sheriff, The Criminal Domestic Violence Court, the Family Court, the Drug Court, Child Support Services, advocacy groups and substance abuse counseling and emergency services.

Refreshments, child care and translation services will also be available.

Details: 408-299-5152 or email owp@ceo.sccgov.org, or Los Gatos-Monte Sereno Police Detective Jamie Field at 408-827-3258.