Love Shouldn't Hurt: Why Domestic Violence Education Should Be Required in School by stephanie

Love Shouldn't Hurt: Why Domestic Violence Education Should Be Required in School by stephanie - June 2025 Scholarship Essay

When you think of high school, what comes to mind? Algebra problems that make your brain melt? Cafeteria pizza that may or may not be made of actual food? Maybe gym class, where you are forced to run a mile while questioning every life decision that brought you to that moment. Now, let's be honest some of the required classes we sit through aren't exactly preparing us for the real world but, you know what could actually save lives? A class on domestic violence.

Yep you heard me right. I think learning about domestic violence should be just as important as learning how to write a five paragraph essay. If not more. Here's the thing teenagers are getting into relationships earlier than ever. And while some of those relationships are all butterflies and Tik Tok dances, others are anything but cute. Some are toxic, controlling, and emotionally damaging, and many teens don't even realize it until it's too late. That's because no one taught us how to recognize abuse when it's not a black eye or a broken bone.

A required class on domestic violence could teach students how to spot red flags like jealousy disguised as "I just care about you" or isolation that starts with "I just want you all to myself". It could explain the difference between healthy love and manipulation, between support and control. And honestly, it would do more for our futures than memorizing the periodic table ever will (unless you are planning to become a chemist if so carry on).

Also, let's not forget the fear factor. Many teens in abusive relationships don't speak up because they are scared scared they won't be believed, scared their partner will retaliate, or just scared because they think this is what "love" is supposed to feel like. A class like this could give them not only knowledge but also resources and confidence. Imagine if we normalized talking about abuse instead of brushing it under the rug like that weird sock in the back of your closet.

And don't worry, the class doesn't have to be all doom and gloom. It can use real stories videos, interactive discussion, maybe even some roleplaying ( the educational kind, not the awkward drama class kind). It can show what good relationships look like too, so we're not just taught what not to do, but what to look for. So yeah, while it's cool to learn how to dissect a frog or solve for X, maybe it's time we also learned how to protect ourselves emotionally and physically. Because love should lift you up not leave you crying in your room, wondering if it's your fault (spoiler alert: it's not).

In conclusion, make domestic violence education a required class. Your future self, and possibly your life, will thank you.