Lawrence Hall talks to lawmakers
SACRAMENTO, CA - Research shows one in three teen girls will be physically assaulted by someone they are dating.
The statistics shocked state lawmakers and some members in the audience at a special hearing at the state Capitol Wednesday.
It was convened by Assem. Fiona Ma, D-San Francisco, chair of the Assembly Select Committee on Domestic Violence.
Beth Hassett, Executive Director of Women Escaping a Violent Environment (WEAVE) said surveys among teenagers revealed, "74 percent of boys and 64 percent of girls say no one has talked to them about teen dating violence."
Hassett was the first of many experts who told legislators teen dating violence should be a part of school curriculums, especially among middle and high school students.
Lawmakers also heard about Coaching Boys Into Men, a campaign to prevent violence against women and children.
Since the program began in the Sacramento area 15 months ago, Ernest Brown, WEAVE's school liaison, explained that 2000 athletes in 17 schools have participated.
Lawrence Hall, 18, was among football players who took the classes last fall at Mesa Verde High school.
"We kind of took it as a joke at first," Hall said. "We thought it was just a program the coach wanted to put us in." he admitted.
The varsity football team player said his attitude has changed since the first class.
"I learned how to be a better role model," Hall said. "I'm looked up to at school. So I learned how to set a good example for younger students."
Hall said the project also taught him how to treat young women.
"I learned how to talk to them and how we shouldn't talk to them," Hall said. "And we learned how to handle certain situations."
Hall managed to put his lessons to good use.
"A friend of mine and his girlfriend got into an argument because she spilled milk on him," Hall explained. "He continued to call her bad names. So I pulled him aside because she really was hurt. I told him if you really care about this girl, you shouldn't talk to her like that."
Hall said his friend apologized his girlfriend after Hall convinced him.
Hall also had a message for other teens at risk for domestic violence.
"Everything can be talked about," Hall said. "If you ever get mad or upset about something, just take a second and step back. Think about it before you act."
By Karen Massie kmassie@news10.net
News10/KXTV