Addressing Dating Violence at School
Our school district is committed to providing a safe and civil learning environment for all students. We recognize that dating violence negatively impacts a student’s education and safety. Therefore, any acts of dating violence—whether verbal, sexual, physical, or emotional—will not be tolerated and will be handled according to our student code of conduct.
Reporting and Investigation
All school staff members, including administrators, teachers, support staff, and volunteers, are required to take all reasonable steps to prevent dating violence. If they witness or learn of an incident, they must:
- Verbally report it to the Principal or designee as soon as possible, ideally by the end of the school day.
- Submit a written report to the Principal or designee no later than one day after the incident.
Incidents include physical, emotional, verbal, or sexual abuse; digital or electronic acts; and threatening or controlling behavior patterns. All reported incidents will be thoroughly documented, including statements, action plans, disciplinary measures, and any counseling or support offered to those involved. These records will be kept separate from academic and discipline files to protect privacy.
Responses and Consequences
School administrators will implement disciplinary and remedial actions consistent with our student code of conduct. Responses will be tiered based on the seriousness and frequency of incidents, considering both the victim and the alleged aggressor.
Consequences may include:
- Warning
- Temporary removal from class
- Detention (classroom or administrative)
- In-school or out-of-school suspension
- Reports to law enforcement
- Expulsion
Retaliation against a victim will also result in consequences for the aggressor.
Remedial actions and interventions may include:
- Parent conferences
- Student counseling
- Peer support groups
- Corrective instruction or learning experiences
- Supportive interventions (e.g., behavioral management plans, alternative placements)
Education and Prevention
We believe understanding the warning signs of unhealthy or abusive dating relationships is crucial for prevention. These signs often involve one person trying to control the other. Recognizing them helps us intervene and educate students.
We provide students and families with information about available school, family, peer, and community resources for dating violence. We also incorporate age-appropriate dating violence education into our health curriculum for grades seven through twelve. This education covers the definition of dating violence, recognizing warning signs, and understanding healthy relationships.
Parents or guardians can request to examine the dating violence education materials used by the district.
Information about our dating violence procedures will be included in all district publications and handbooks that outline student rules and conduct.
For further clarification, please refer to the North Hunterdon-Voorhees District & Board of Education Policies and Regulations.
