Which laws or policy frameworks are most relevant to TDV in U.S. schools?

• A. International treaties
• B. No laws apply to TDV in schools.
• C. Federal Title IX protections for gender-based violence, state and local TDV laws, and district policies on student safety and mandated reporting.
• D. Only district policies

Answer: (C)

TDV in U.S. schools is governed by a layered legal framework that runs from federal to district levels. At the top, federal Title IX protections address gender-based violence in education programs that receive federal funding, requiring schools to have clear reporting and response procedures, provide supportive measures, and prevent retaliation. State and local laws further define dating violence, stalking, and related protections, and may mandate specific safety plans, reporting requirements, and coordination with other authorities. District policies then translate these obligations into concrete practices: how incidents are reported, how investigations are conducted, timelines, confidentiality, mandated reporting by staff, and access to support services. Because district actions must align with higher-level laws, they work together to ensure prevention, timely response, and student safety. International treaties aren’t the primary framework for U.S. schools, and relying on only district policies would miss the legal requirements established at federal and state levels.