In response to a fatal lunchtime stabbing last month at South East High School, the Los Angeles Board of Education unanimously passed a resolution to promote the prevention of dating violence.

LAUSD Boardmember Steve Zimmer discussed his proposal to address dating violence at district headquarters on Tuesday. (photo by Adam Popescu)

The resolution, co-sponsored by boardmembers Steve Zimmer, Bennett Kayser and Nury Martinez, seeks to promote a positive and healthy relationships at school.

Members of the board as well as victims of violent crimes spoke out at a press conference Tuesday at LAUSD headquarters.

“You are not alone,” Zimmer told the crowd, imploring young men to not take out their aggression on loved ones. “My strength is not for hurting.”

Youth advocate Jessica Contreras, a survivor of teen dating violence, also spoke out, detailing an abusive relationship with an older boyfriend that began when she was fourteen years old. The 2011 West Adams Prep graduate opened up about an overly-possessive boyfriend who sent her into a cyclical world of abuse, self-hate and fear.

The resolution was prompted by the attack at South East High School where a student was murdered. On Sept. 30, Abraham Lopez, 18, attacked his 17 year-old ex-girlfriend Cindi Santana at lunchtime, stabbing her to death. Lopez next allegedly stabbed a school dean and another student who attempted to intervene.

Zimmer assured that the resolution will put a firm strategy in place at every LAUSD campus, sending a clear message, “we will be a safe community. We’re not afraid to address issues.”