State Representative Gerald Fox III (D-Stamford), Vice-chair of the General Assembly’s Judiciary Committee, delivered testimony in support of legislation being considered by the Education Committee that would require training for educators on the subject of teen dating violence.
“Students need to be aware of the damage that this type of behavior causes and education professionals need to be able to recognize the warning signs so that they can help,” Fox said. “Unless the cycle of behavior is stopped, teen abusers will become adult abusers. Our teenagers who are victims of domestic violence need to know that they are not alone.”
The bill (HB5315) is part of a package of legislation developed by the House Speaker’s Domestic Violence Task Force on which Fox serves. The task force began their work in November, 2009 and held a series of meetings at which they heard testimony and suggestions from domestic violence advocacy groups, survivors, police, prosecutors, state court officials, educators, and family support counselors.
The need for better domestic violence victims’ support services, and a more effective law enforcement and legal system have grown dramatically in recent years,” said Fox. “Already about 30 percent of our criminal court dockets involve domestic violence and many more of these crimes go unreported.”
Students from the Stamford Youth Services Bureau and Stamford High School also testified before the Education Committee in support of the measure. “We firmly believe that strengthening the skills of teachers, administrators, counselors and support staff to recognize and respond to teen dating violence on campus and in the hallways is critical if we are going to make a difference,” their testimony read.
Rep. Fox is serving his third term in the Legislature representing the 146th Assembly District in Stamford. He is also a member of the Transportation and Planning & Development Committees.
