In a recent announcement, the Placer County District Attorney's Office has launched their Teen Dating Violence Student Assemblies. These assemblies coincide with the Domestic Violence Awareness Month, putting a spotlight on the pervasive issue of intimate partner violence among young people. According to the Placer County District Attorney's Office Facebook page, this year's theme is "Never just one – one time, one person, one crime," drawing attention to the often-repetitive nature of domestic violence (DV).
Driving the message home, District Attorney Morgan Gire emphasized, "No community is immune from domestic violence. The pain and trauma caused in the home and in intimate relationships, leave a lasting impact on children, shaping how they see love and trust." This educational initiative is not the first of its kind for the office; it builds on the success of the 'One Pill Can Kill Placer' fentanyl assemblies, showcasing a continued commitment to youth education on critical safety issues. The assemblies partner with various local resources, such as the parents of Justine Vanderschoot, a victim of teen dating violence homicide, the office's Multi-Disciplinary Interview Center, and the county's Sexual Assault Response Team, as reported by the Placer County District Attorney's Office.
The Placer County District Attorney's Office is also extending its DV prevention efforts through multiple avenues that include the creation of a countywide resource portal and various campaigns. A "This is a sign" campaign has been launched, utilizing striking visuals to convey the dangers of domestic violence, as part of its outreach.
As part of the intensified focus on DV awareness, the office has also bolstered its online presence with dedicated resources. There's the Strangulation Awareness Resource Portal, which highlights a chilling 750% increase in risk for strangulation victims. Domestic Violence Unit Supervisor Jamie Smith stated, "Domestic violence is often dismissed as an isolated incident — one fight, one person, one mistake. But the reality is very different," underlining the dire need for such proactive measures. Additionally, the Placer County District Attorney's Office has made strides in addressing domestic violence in older populations through its Placer PROTECT's domestic violence education portal.
Residents interested in learning more about the initiatives or those seeking assistance can access the Domestic Violence Unit's page or request a Teen Dating Violence Student Assembly via the DA Speaker's Panel. More information about the spectrum of educational campaigns and resource portals can be found on the Placer County District Attorney's Office official website.
