On April 18, 2012, the Obama Administration announced new efforts to help address and prevent domestic violence in the federal workplace. President Obama today signed amemorandum that will require federal agencies to develop policies to address the effects of domestic violence and provide assistance to employees who are experiencing domestic violence.

Vice President Biden said: 

“We know that domestic violence doesn’t just stay in the home. It can extend into the workplace, with devastating effects on its victims and costs that ripple across the economy. Federal employees aren’t immune. 

The President’s Memorandum sends a message about what the federal government—and all employers—can do to end this abuse. Today, President Obama directed the federal government to become a model for all employers in providing a safe workplace and support for any employees who suffer from domestic violence.

For the first time, all federal agencies are required to establish policies to respond to the legitimate needs of employees who are being abused and who might need help.”

Just as domestic violence affects the work place and doesn’t just stay in the home, teen dating abuse affects the school environment and doesn’t just stay in the home. The federal government will now model for adult domestic violence what schools across California should do for teen dating abuse – put policies in place to address this prevalent and harmful issue.  

By intervening early, rather than ignoring the problem, these school policies will help prevent teen dating abuse, as well as help reduce the prevalence and burden of subsequent adult domestic violence.