Tulare Times

The Senate Education Committee has passed AB 2053, a bill introduced by Assemblyman Mathis in 2024, aimed at enhancing education on adolescent relationship abuse and intimate partner violence (IPV). The legislation mandates that students be provided with information on domestic violence resources and support services when they are taught about these issues.

Assemblyman Mathis commented on the bill's passage: "Intimate partner violence has been a consistent issue plaguing our country for far too long, leaving victims with both physical and emotional trauma for decades. Per the California Healthy Youth Act, school districts are currently required to educate our students about sexual health education and HIV prevention. Under this law, we also teach students in grades 7 through 12 about what constitutes adolescent relationship abuse and intimate partner violence, including their warning signs. Under AB 2053, California school districts will now be required to provide students with the information and hotline services that are available to victims of intimate partner violence and teen dating violence. This bill takes a strong leap forward in promoting healthy relationships and ensuring potential victims get the support they need. I thank the Senate Education Committee for their unanimous, bipartisan support for this common-sense bill."