Published: October 07, 2008 11:59 am         

Violence education law makes sense

In Rhode Island, tragedy paved the way for education and hope.

Lindsay Burke, courtesy of her boyfriend, was involved in an abusive relationship. Three years ago, that relationship cost the 23-year-old Burke her life.

A new law is on the books in Rhode Island called the Lindsay Ann Burke Act. It mandates that public middle and high school students be taught about dating violence. Burke’s parents pushed for the law, and Rhode Island Attorney General Patrick Lynch guided it through the legislative process.

To Lynch, the law makes sense. The Goshen News agrees.

“You teach sex ed, you teach ‘don’t do drugs,’ you teach ‘don’t drink,’ you should also be teaching ‘don’t be a victim of domestic violence,’” Lynch said.

Domestic abuse isn’t a problem limited to Rhode Island. Legislative mandates aside, school officials everywhere would do well to teach young people how to avoid abuse.

Controlling, threatening or violent behavior on the part of a boyfriend — or girlfriend — isn’t “normal.” It’s unacceptable. Learning the warning signs is key to avoiding, or escaping, a toxic relationship. In a best-case scenario, abusers or potential abusers may even recognize the error of their ways.

The Burke Act and efforts like it won’t end abuse. They’re a step in the right direction, though, and offer hope that fewer people will suffer Lindsay Burke’s fate.