Introducing Bree's Law: A Legislative Push to Reduce Teen Dating Violence

Strategic Insights -

The rates of domestic and dating violence in Alaska are alarmingly high, with nearly 1 in 11 female and 1 in 14 male high school students reporting experiencing physical dating violence in the last year (CDC). In response, U.S. Senators Lisa Murkowski and Dan Sullivan have introduced Bree's Law, S. 2364, a legislation aimed at educating youth, parents, and advocates to recognize, prevent, and mitigate teen dating violence.

Key Takeaways:

  • Bree's Law is named after Breanna (Bree) Moore, a 20-year-old Alaskan who was murdered by her boyfriend in 2014.
  • The legislation drives education initiatives to teach teens and parents about teen dating violence and authorizes grants to ensure that healthcare providers are trained to recognize the signs of intimate partner violence.
  • The bill aims to teach teens where to go for help if they experience dating violence, how to build healthy relationships, how to practice positive communication skills, and to recognize and prevent abusive relationships.
  • Alaska has seen a significant drop in teen dating violence since the implementation of the first Bree's Law Bill, which required Teen Dating Violence Awareness and Prevention to be taught in Alaskan schools.
  • Butch and Cindy Moore, Bree's parents, have been advocating for awareness and education on teen dating violence, and are supporting the passage of Bree's Law on a national level.

Statistics:

  • Nearly 1 in 11 female and 1 in 14 male high school students have reported experiencing physical dating violence in the last year (CDC).
  • The rates of domestic and dating violence in Alaska are some of the highest in the nation (Senator Murkowski).
  • Teen dating violence has dropped significantly in Alaska since the implementation of the first Bree's Law Bill (Butch and Cindy Moore).

Sources:

  • Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
  • Senator Lisa Murkowski
  • Senator Dan Sullivan
  • Butch and Cindy Moore, Bree's Parents
  • April Kyle, Southcentral Foundation Interim President/CEO
  • Kristen Bierma, Executive Director, Beacon Hill
  • Anne Seymour, National Crime Victim/Survivor and Advocate, WADC