Dating violence, sexual violence, and stalking are personal, pervasive, and common among high school students. These types of violence are often peer-perpetrated and occur at school. Dating violence includes psychological and physical attacks one utilizes against his or her date. Sexual violence includes harassment and more serious assault such as…

From costly lawsuits on behalf of victims to negative media coverage, districts can face potentially devastating consequences as a result of sexual abuse of their students by district employees. This article offers a few tips on how to battle sexual abuse particularly in school districts. The author stresses that by adopting strong policies that…

It is important for school administrators and teachers to recognize the signs and symptoms of child abuse--physical, sexual, and emotional. Principals need to promote the awareness of child abuse with the faculty, and promptly report all cases to the appropriate agencies. References, lists of films and videocassettes, and information sources are…

Presents the findings from a 1985 survey of state legislation and school system policy on child abuse. All 50 states have statutes mandating that child abuse be reported, but there is great variation in how the laws are written and interpreted. Recommends three steps school boards should follow to establish effective child abuse reporting policy.…

This article discusses the nature and extent of the problem of sexual abuse in community programs that serve people with mental retardation, as well as differing judicial approaches in assessing their ability to consent to sexual relations. Potential sources of provider liability for harm caused to program participants are explained. (Author/DB)

Discusses the problem of violence against women in Canada. Argues that recent government efforts to address the problem deal with the symptoms only. Cites findings indicating that child and sexual abuse are among the foremost fears of Canadian girls. Concludes that society pays too little attention to violence against women. (DK)

Suggestions are provided to help school superintendents avert problems of sexual abuse by teachers before they happen: (1) screen employees carefully; (2) know your principals; and (3) have principals keep a sharp eye on their staff for potentially significant changes in behavior. (TE)

Reviews recent court cases in which students have been victimized by other students. Attempts to determine the application of legal principles to such situations and to develop proposals for administrators to manage their schools in a legally defensible manner. Considers the moral responsibility of administrators as protectors of children. (94…

This study evaluated child sexual abuse statistics since introduction of a child sexual abuse program in 1985 in Shelby County, Tennessee. Findings suggest a highly fluctuating validation rate, higher validation rates for girls than boys, possible underreporting of male victims, and 78 percent of the perpetrators being known to their victims.…

Analyzes judicial response to employees who had been dismissed for sexual misconduct and objected to their school districts' dismissal processes. Issues tend to fall into three categories: elements of proof; relationship to the judicial evidentiary process; and standard for judicial review. Advises administrators to prepare, publish, and enforce…

Foreseeabililty is defined as the school officials' ability to predict or anticipate that a certain behavior by teachers may prove harmful to students. Once this determination is made, proper steps must be taken to prevent harm to students. Failure to act responsibly may prove costly. Certainly it is foreseeable that a teacher who sexually…

As a result of the recent publicity given problems of physical and sexual child abuse, society now expects teachers to be fully informed, to educate both children and parents, and to actively intercede in abuse cases. Guidelines are given to help middle level teachers cope with these and related developments. (DCS)

Open records statutes, child abuse reporting laws, and public policy are impediments to confidential settlement agreements with school districts and teachers accused of child abuse. In addition, a school administrator should ask whether the settlement agreement could assist an unsuitable teacher to obtain employment in another school district.…

A model for teaching social work students and professionals about widely existing severe, subtle, and overt forms of male controls and violence against women is described. Topics addressed during a three-hour workshop ranged from sexist language to harassment, battery, and femicide. Evaluation of workshops using the model suggest participants…

Date and acquaintance rape may be more prevalent on college campuses than in other environments, and colleges are struggling to confront the issue. Sexism and racism contribute to underreporting of and misconceptions about sexual abuse in college settings. Policies, programs, and procedures for combating sexual assaults on campus are recommended.…