April 6, 2012

By Molly Duffy

Legislation introduced to the Missouri Senate could shed light on an “often voiceless” group of domestic violence victims, according to Sen. Maria Chappelle-Nadal’s website.

Chappelle-Nadal’s Bill 587 would encourage an age-appropriate domestic violence curriculum for children in school.

“A domestic violence curriculum may contain components to raise awareness, promote healthy behaviors in relationships, allow students to identify the signs that an individual may be a victim of domestic violence and allow students to identify behaviors associated with an abuser,” the bill summary stated.

The legislation is needed because domestic violence does not discriminate, but affects people of all races, classes and backgrounds, according to Chappelle-Nadal’s website.

In 2009, 41,526 incidents of domestic violence were reported in Missouri, according to the Missouri State Highway Patrol.

“We owe our children facts on how to protect themselves from an abuser’s hands and where to seek assistance if it is needed,” Chappelle-Nadal said on her website. “Our children deserve to receive a curriculum that teaches what healthy behaviors and relationships look like, what they sound like, what they feel like.”

The bill does not outline any specific curriculum guidelines, but does suggest addressing risk factors, effects of domestic violence and information about seeking assistance for victims. School districts may also work with governments, nonprofit organizations or private entities to develop their curricula.

The bill was proposed to the Senate Education Committee on Wednesday.