Which resources should schools provide to students experiencing TDV?

• A. Police contacts only
• B. After-school activities only
• C. No special resources needed
• D. School counselors, social workers, crisis hotlines, local shelters, legal aid, safety planning resources, and referrals to community agencies

Answer: (D)

When students experience teen dating violence, schools should connect them with a comprehensive set of supports that address safety, immediate needs, and long-term help. School counselors and social workers provide confidential, trauma-informed counseling and safety planning, and they coordinate with families and community services so the student isn’t navigating this alone. Crisis hotlines offer round-the-clock, immediate support, helping to calm crises and guide next steps. Local shelters give safe housing options if staying at home isn’t possible, while legal aid helps with protective orders, understanding rights, and navigating any legal processes. Safety planning resources lay out practical steps to stay safe at school and beyond, and referrals to community agencies connect students with ongoing services such as housing assistance, medical and mental health care, and advocacy. Taken together, this blend of supports ensures both immediate protection and sustained access to resources, which is essential for someone experiencing TDV.

The other options miss critical elements. Relying only on police misses ongoing support, safety planning, and access to mental health and housing resources. Focusing on after-school activities ignores safety, crisis response, and legal protections. Claiming no special resources are needed ignores the real needs of students facing TDV and the supports that schools are obliged to provide.