FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 14, 2025
CONTACT
Alexandria Castellanos
(213) 608-5897
LOS ANGELES, CA (OCT. 14, 2025) – The Los Angeles Unified Board of Education approved the resolution,“With Survivors, Always: Domestic & Dating Violence Prevention, Awareness and Support,” authored by Board Member Tanya Ortiz Franklin and co-sponsored by Board Members Sherlett Hendy Newbill and Karla Griego.
The resolution marks a major step in ensuring LAUSD schools are not only places of learning, but also places of safety, healing, and empowerment for students, staff, and families impacted by domestic and dating violence.
October is recognized nationally as Domestic Violence Awareness Month, a time to stand with survivors and strengthen prevention efforts nationwide. With alarming statistics showing that 58% of California women, 38% of men and 1 in 3 teens report experiencing intimate partner violence. Domestic violence is a leading cause of homelessness for women and children, this resolution aims to foster safer, more supportive communities for all. To hear directly from survivors and learn more about this initiative, watch the video here.
“I’ve been inspired by fellow survivors to write a resolution that brings education and empowerment to our students, staff and families,” Board Member Tanya Ortiz Franklin said. “In California, more than half of all women and over 30% of men experience intimate partner violence, including physical, sexual, emotional, financial, and digital abuse, and in a district as large as ours, this means tens of thousands of employees and hundreds of thousands of students and families impacted by something we’re often too afraid or ashamed to talk about or too confused or controlled to acknowledge. But not anymore. Today and from now on, we are #WithSurvivorsAlways.”
“At Los Angeles Unified, we stand firmly with survivors,” Superintendent Alberto M. Carvalho said. “Our schools must be places of safety, trust, and healing, where every student and staff member knows they are seen, supported, and never alone. Through education, awareness, and compassion, we are breaking cycles of silence and building a culture that protects and uplifts every member of our community.”
Some of the key actions include:
- Integrating domestic and dating violence awareness into school safety training for staff and workshops for students.
- Hosting Family Academy sessions to help parents recognize signs of abuse and access resources.
- Supporting student-led prevention campaigns and culturally responsive partnerships.
- Promoting national efforts such as #WithSurvivors, #DVAM2025, and #PurpleThursday on October 23rd.
- Assess and build upon policies and practices to ensure confidentiality, sensitivity and protections for staff, parents, and families who have experienced domestic violence.
“Our schools are safe havens and will continue to be for all, especially for survivors of domestic violence,” Board President Scott M. Schmerelson said. “What makes our schools so important is beyond the academic components. It's a place to receive support and resources for what is going on in our students’ or staff’s lives. Safety is our top priority, and we want survivors of domestic violence to come seek help with confidence, knowing we are one school community and that we stand with them. If you are currently experiencing domestic violence or are unsure if you are, please reach out to your school counselor if you are a student or, if you are a staff member, reach out to your supervisor. Your safety is our top priority.”
"Every student deserves to learn in safety and dignity, free from fear and harm. This resolution is a commitment to survivors—and to prevention through education, compassion, and community. By centering healing and awareness, we are breaking cycles of violence and building schools where every young person can thrive with confidence and care," said Board Vice President Dr. Rocío Rivas.
“I am a cosponsor of this resolution because as a school board member and as a woman, I have a responsibility to ensure every student knows that love should never hurt,” Board Member Sherlett Hendy Newbill said. “By promoting awareness, prevention, and support, we help empower young people to recognize healthy relationships and break the cycle of silence and abuse.”
“I stand with survivors and those affected by domestic and dating violence,” Board Member Nick Melvoin said. “Our schools, families, and community partners play a vital role in prevention, education, and support. Together, we can build safer, stronger, and more resilient school communities, while providing students and families the resources they need to thrive.”
“As a proud educator, I want to affirm the importance of continued professional development for our counselors, psychiatric social workers, nurses, and psychologists, so they can better support students and families impacted by violence,” Board Member Karla Griego said. “We are dedicated to prevention, healing, and transformation of our communities and recognize the vital role of educators, school staff, families, and community partners in building safe and nurturing schools. Together, we are working toward a future where every student feels seen and supported and can live, learn, and love free from harm.”
“Domestic and dating violence impacts so many of our students, parents, and employees,” Board Member Kelly Gonez said. “By creating partnerships, expanding supports, and deepening instruction on healthy relationships, we empower our students with much-needed awareness, education, and resources. This resolution represents our District’s commitment to standing with survivors and will foster a culture of safety and support on our campuses and beyond.”
“I would like to thank the District for their leadership on this issue, and for bringing attention to something that often goes unnoticed,” Student Board Member Jerry Yang said. “Domestic and dating violence are things that nobody should go through, and raise concerns of physical, mental, and emotional health. Schools are spaces where students should feel comfortable, safe, and nurtured, and this resolution builds the necessary community to ensure that. And to the students out there who may be experiencing these issues, there are numerous trusted adults on your school campuses who you can talk to for support.”
"I met my ex-husband in 8th grade. At the time there was nowhere to turn to learn how a healthy relationship should function,” said Alicia Baltazar, a LAUSD parent. “No one talked about the different levels of abuse and because of this, I spent many years unknowingly in a mentally and emotionally abusive relationship. With this resolution, I hope to accomplish open dialog about what abuse is and isn't. I hope to provide resources to aid those in DV relationships and support so no one has to feel alone in this.”
“The message I want to share with my peers and community is to break the stigma that only women are victims of domestic violence; men can experience it as well,” said Silvia, a high school junior. “I also believe that love should never hurt. Love should be something you feel secure about and it should not be something that physically or emotionally hurts you.”
The Superintendent will provide a written update to the board by February 2026, outlining progress, potential budget impacts, and plans to recognize each February in LA Unified as Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month.