Students act as judge and jury in annual mock trial

Dripping Springs High School hosted a Dating Violence Mock Trial last week in recognition of February as Dating Violence Awareness and Prevention Month.

The mock trial is an annual event that began through DSHS in 2013. This year, the event took place at the Hays County Government Center in San Marcos on Friday, Feb. 25.

DSHS students performed a variety of roles in a court case where the defendant is accused of some form of relational violence. The trial was based on a real court case, though names were changed. As usual, it was performed with lawyers, judges and court officials present to provide an accurate simulation of the Texas Judicial System.

The goal of the Dating Violence Mock Trial is to provide students with the tools necessary to make good decisions and handle difficult situations. However, it also serves as a reminder to the Dripping Springs and Hays County communities that dating violence remains a prevalent issue in the area.

“The effects of dating violence impact youth in all communities and cut across economic, racial, gender and societal barriers,” the city of Dripping Springs stated in its Dating Violence Awareness and Prevention Month proclamation earlier this month. “By providing teens and young adults with education about healthy relationships and relationship skills, and by changing attitudes that support violence, we recognize that dating violence can be prevented.”

The subject has seen an increase in attention this year, following the passage of Texas Senate Bill 9. The law, which took effect in December, requires school districts to provide instruction about dating violence and related issues such as child abuse, sex trafficking and family violence.

For more information about dating violence awareness and prevention, visit Hays-Caldwell Women’s Center online at hcwc.org or the Texas Advocacy Project at texasadvocacyproject.org.

If you are experiencing or know someone who is experiencing domestic abuse, contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline at thehotline.org or at 1-800-799-SAFE.