HI HCR28

Encourages the Department of Education and other agency and community stakeholders to continue meeting as a working group to address sexual-violence prevention in public schools, building on efforts established in October 2018.

Requests the working group submit progress reports and policy/resource recommendations to the Legislature and Board of Education at least 20 days prior to the 2020 and 2021 regular legislative sessions, including any proposed legislation.

Acknowledges that more than half of sexual-assault treatment center clients in Hawaii experienced abuse before age 18, and that Hawaii youth experience sexual violence at rates equal to or higher than mainland counterparts according to CDC Youth Risk Behavior Surveys (2013, 2015, 2017).

References "Erin's Law" prevention programs implemented in 35 states and Guam that provide child-sexual-abuse prevention education to students, teachers, staff, and parents as a model for Hawaii public schools.

Recognizes Hawaii's existing commitments to Title IX compliance and anti-bullying efforts, and notes that comprehensive sexual-violence prevention education would strengthen these existing initiatives.