New Jersey "Safe Dating Law"

     I am so happy to announce that we are currently in the process in NJ of passing the SAFE DATING LAW.  I proposed this new law to NJ legislators last May just a few short days after the tragic murder of Univeristy of Virginia's Yeardley Love, a graduating Senior & star lacrosse player.  Her ex-boyfriend broke into her apartment while she was sleeping and allegedly beat her to death.  Her roommates found her body the next morning laying in a pool of blood.  Friends and family sadly report that she had been in an abusive dating relationship with her boyfriend on and off for years. 
     This example is just one of many unfortunately.  I am the NJ State Action Leader for the Love is Not Abuse Coalition sponsored by Liz Claiborne and we are working toward having EVERY state pass the SAFE DATING LAW.  This new law will require all public middle & high schools to add SAFE DATING to their annual health curriculum and also develop a DATING VIOLENCE POLICY.  The SAFE DATING LAW is a WIN-WIN for New Jersey because the curriculum is FREE and the online staff training is FREE sponsored by Liz Claiborne.  This legislation is bi-partisan and we are hoping that it will pass through the Assembly & Senate as quickly as possible early in 2011. 
     The most important thing you need to know is that the SAFE DATING LAW will teach kids how to have healthy relationships.  Relationships are the foundation of our lives, whether it is with ourselves, our family, friends, or intimate partners.  There is nothing more important in life than learning how to have healthy relationships.  No one should ever be MEAN to you.  Dating abuse and bullying (which is a very hot topic right now) are really the same thing.  Dating abuse is when you are "bullied" in a relationship.  Being bullied is when someone is being mean to you. 
     YOU can help by spreading the word.  If you know any local NJ legislators, please ask them to support the SAFE DATING BILL (A2920).  If you don't live in NJ, find out what the current legislation is in your state.  If there is none, please contact your local legislators & tell them that you want the same law passed in your state, where SAFE DATING EDUCATION will be required & mandatory.  This new law will save lives.  How many more girls & women need to lose their lives before we take this issue seriously and do something to PREVENT it??? 
     Let me know what you think about this topic?