Dear John,
As October has come to an end, so has Domestic Violence Awareness Month, but the work of protecting children from harm continues every day across America’s classrooms.
Domestic violence and gun violence are deeply connected: nearly 70% of mass shootings involve a history of family or partner abuse.
In her new Connecticut Mirror op-ed, our Executive Director, Abbey Clements, reminds us that teachers are often the first to notice when something isn’t right at home. After decades in the classroom, she’s seen how fear and instability don’t stop at a family’s front door; they follow students into school, shaping how they learn, connect, and trust.
Her message is clear: when teachers are equipped with knowledge, awareness, and resources, they can serve as a bridge to safety for students, families, and even fellow educators.
While legislation like Extreme Risk Protection Orders, or “Red Flag” laws, exists to save lives, without broader awareness and training, these tools remain out of reach for the very educators who could help families use them.
“I wish I had known about these provisions so that I could have been a better advocate for a struggling parent.” — Abbey Clements, CT Mirror
Abbey’s piece is a powerful call to include teachers in the policies and prevention efforts that keep families and schools safe.
We invite you to take a moment to read Abbey’s full article and share it with others who understand that real safety starts when educators are part of the solution.
Thank you,
