By Natalie Paez
One out of every nine La Cueva High School students has experienced domestic violence, according to a poll conducted by the student senate.
The poll was part of the senate’s effort to spread domestic-violence awareness Feb. 13-14. The senate’s Domestic Violence Awareness group picked Valentine’s Day to spread its message, under the title “Love Doesn’t Hurt.”
Activities Director Lacee Metzger and Crossroads Counselor Christine Loidolt put together an informational slideshow for students’ advisory classes. Students filled out the survey after a slideshow.
According to hotline.org, domestic violence can involve the abuser:
telling you that you never do anything right.
getting extremely jealous when you hang out with friends.
restricting you from seeing friends or family.
preventing you from making your own decisions.
pressuring you to do something you’re not comfortable with.
physically or emotionally hurting you.
The survey received 833 responses. Most respondents were 15 to 16 years old, and were either freshmen or sophomores. According to the survey, 96 students said that they have experienced domestic violence before, while 623 students have not experienced domestic violence, and 114 students were unsure.
There were 55 students who said they sought help during or after the events of domestic violence. Results also show that 748 students said they feel safe in their community, while 23 students did not feel safe in their community, and 62 students were unsure. There were 616 students who are not or do not know someone who is still in a dangerous/violent situation. However, there were 90 students who are or do know someone who is still in a dangerous/violent situation, and there are 127 students who were unsure. The majority of students already had prior knowledge of domestic violence before taking the survey.
The last question on the survey asked, “What are some ways you can help someone in your community who may be suffering from domestic violence?” Responses included:
“Provide support and an outside perspective on their situtation [sic].”
“Make it easier for people to speak out about it, give them a safe space.”
“Talk to them and other parties involved to figure out how you can aid them.”
“Contact a trusted adult or organization that is professionally qualified to alleviate suffering.”
“Offer help/shelter and give them info about who they can call about help.”
“Let them know you're always available for them to talk to you.”
“Console them and offer them help, be understanding and don't make them feel casted out or guilty for something they could not control.”
In the Fishbowl after advisory, senate students gave out free purple domestic violence bracelets and informational pamphlets.
If you or someone you know may be in a dangerous situation, contact the following resources:
Text: loveis to 22522
Call: 1-866-331-9474
Domestic Violence Resource Center
24/7 helpline: 505-248-3165
Instagram: dvrc_nm