Teen Dating Violence

Dating violence is defined as the intentional use of physical, sexual, verbal, or emotional abuse by a person to harm, threaten, intimidate, or control another person in a dating relationship, as defined by Section 71.0021, Texas Family Code. Dating violence is a pattern of coercive behavior that one partner exerts over the other to establish and maintain power and control. 

The policy of Waxahachie ISD is that all students and employees are free from bullying, harassment, and dating violence. All charges of bullying, harassment, and dating violence are to be taken very seriously by students, faculty, staff, administration, and parents/guardians. The district will make every reasonable effort to handle and respond to every charge and complaint filed by students and employees in a fair, thorough, and just manner. Every reasonable effort will be made to protect the due process rights of all victims and alleged perpetrators. 

Students who believe they have been harassed, bullied, or otherwise victimized by fellow students or WISD employees are encouraged to promptly report such incidents to the campus principal or other campus professionals. To the greatest extent possible, complaints shall be treated as confidential. Limited disclosure may be necessary to complete a thorough investigation. A student or parent/guardian who has a complaint alleging bullying, harassment, or dating violence may request a conference with the principal or the principal’s designee. Complaints will be documented and investigated per WISD policy and guidelines. Any staff member who observes an incident that involves physical or sexual assault or threats will report the incident immediately to the principal. Any staff member who learns of an incident or threat may submit a Safety Alert Form on behalf of the victim.