High School Principals

 

  • The fact that there tends to be lots of differing opinions as to which of these issues deserves what amount of time and attention. (i.e. between parents, educators, and legislators)
    • This 'many cooks in the kitchen' dynamic is further exacerbated by the fact that most opinions don't benefit from reliable local data, rather are formed based on anecdotal data, broader national studies/statistics and/or media headlines.
    • This can and often does lead to what is commonly a reactive approach to dealing with 'the issue of the month'
  • The fact that it's hard to gauge just how prevalent and severe some of these issues are amongst your student population. (i.e. anxiety)
    • The U.S. Dept. of Justice estimates that teen dating violence and abuse (TDVA) is under-reported anywhere from 65-95%
    • Other studies conclude that less than 3% of teenagers victimized by TDVA will ever tell an adult
  • The fact that it's hard to measure just how effective your policies and programs are in effectively addressing these issues.
  • At the ROSE Fund we empathize with the plight of the principal and we have a simple and efficient way of helping them to inform their decisions as it relates to effectively addressing one of the most prevalent and severe issues facing high school students today; teen dating violence and abuse.
    • An addressable issue that quietly serves as a critical causal factor for a number of other serious downstream health issues. (as TDVA is highly associated with anxiety, depression, substance abuse, pregnancy and suicide)

Our offer and our appeal to high school principals is twofold

1. To allow their students to participate in an on-line survey (takes less than 10 minutes) and let this highly localized data inform the school's decisions as it relates to whether or not:


  • Teen dating violence and abuse is a prevalent issue adversely impacting your students
  • The school's policies and programs (i.e. education, awareness) are sufficient to effectively address the TDVA issue within your school.

2.With the help of ROSE and our partners, to fully inoculate each of your students with the basic knowledge around how to identify the early and unhealthy signs of an unhealthy relationship. Preparing and preventing these students, for the rest of their lives, from ever entering into a relationship that can escalate into an abusive one that has life-altering and/or lethal consequences.

As you contemplate this offer and appeal, please bear in mind that:

  • A Harvard University study concluded that 1 in 5 girls in Massachusetts high schools will be hit, kicked or punched by a current or former dating partner.
  • The Harvard study further concluded that TDVA issue serves a one of the more powerful causal factors for a number of the other important health and wellness issues, as those that are victims or targets of this TDV and abuse are:
    • 6-9 times more likely to attempt or commit suicide
    • 9 times more likely to abuse substances (i.e. alcohol, drugs)
    • 2-5 times more likely to engage in risky sexual behaviors evidenced by pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases
    • 3-5 times as likely to suffer from body Image Issues (i.e. vomiting, use of laxatives, diet pills)
    • More likely to perform poorer in school (in terms of both grades and attendance according to the U.S. Center for Disease Control)
  • That if the data shows that the TDVA is more prevalent and severe than you thought, and that the school does not have sufficient programs in place, that we will provide simple, practical and affordable ways for you to improve the schools effectiveness in addressing the TDVA issue.

To learn more, attend a 15-20 minute webinar, call or email Executive Director, Dan Walsh (best reached at 781-929-1818 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it )
To learn more about The ROSE Fund's vision, position and perspective on the TDVA issue click here.