Guest Blog: Why I Support Laura’s House in Shining a Light on Teen Dating Abuse
Posted on February 27, 2014
By Sandy Jacobson
Many people initially become involved in Laura’s House because they want to help those whose lives have been affected by domestic violence, and provide women with an opportunity to gain a fresh start. However, Laura’s House is much more than an organization that provides shelter, and they do much more than help women. In fact, Laura’s House offers a comprehensive range of services including emergency shelter, a 24-hour crisis hotline, transitional housing, legal support services, counseling and community education to men, women and children alike.
One of things about Laura’s House that I did not know when joined the Board of Directors is that the cycle of domestic violence starts early on, and that abusive relationships can affect our children throughout their lifetime. The reality is that many parents still do not believe their children can be affected by an abusive relationship. It is easy for us to believe, “It cannot happen here in Orange County,” or “It cannot happen to me.” Unfortunately, the statistics demonstrate domestic violence is happening here in Orange County, and the fact is domestic violence can happen to anyone, and it occurs in all cities and in all socioeconomic groups. Domestic Violence knows no boundaries.
As a parent of two children in junior high school, with about to enter high school, it is extremely important to me (as with most parents anywhere) that I do everything in my power to keep my children safe. Although we cannot protect our children from every bad circumstance they encounter, we can educate and prepare them for the inevitable challenges they will face in their lives.
We all know that children don’t always listen to their parents, so being told the facts about abuse by someone other than their parents has greater potential to open their eyes to the fact that abuse exists, but it does not have to continue.
Earlier this month, Laura’s House hosted a Candlelight Vigil for Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month. This annual event provides education to parents and teenagers about abusive relationships and the signs, signals and symptoms of an unhealthy relationship. The event also honors a young Orange County woman who lost her life as a result of an abusive relationship.
This year, more than 400 people came out to join us for the Candlelight Vigil! Marissa Presley, Bilingual Prevention and Education Specialist spoke at the event, along with my fellow board member Dr. Jill Murray, a nationally-recognized expert on dating abuse spoke. We were also pleased to have U.S. Congresswoman Loretta Sanchez join us for thee event. She shared a few words on the importance of educating young adults and teens on dating violence, and presented Laura’s House with a Certificate of Recognition for its efforts to stem the tide of dating abuse here in Southern California.
I am proud to support Laura’s House in ending the cycle of domestic violence, and I would encourage everyone who has a teen in their life to check out the Laura’s House Teen Website at www.laurashouse/lhteen, to learn more about the educational programs and services that Laura’s House provides to the community.
Sandy Jacobson lives in Irvine, has served on the Laura’s House Board of Directors since 2011, and is a partner in the Orange County office of the law firm of Allen Matkins, LLP.