Fresno leaders address rise in teen dating violence cases

FRESNO, Calif. (KSEE/KGPE) – There were 329 reports of teen dating violence in 2024, that’s a 27% increase over 2023.

The Marjaree Mason Center is seeing an alarming number of teenagers between the ages of 13 and 19 coming through their doors.

20 of the 329 reports in 2024 were reported at schools.

District Attorney Lisa Smittcamp says most of these cases start with social media. 

“Engage with your children, understand what they’re watching, understand what they’re seeing,” Smittcamp said.

She says social media posts set a bad precedent for relationships.

“What is coming out is the over sexualization of young children, of young girls, the abuse, the physical abuse, the forced sexual encounters that we’re seeing with so many young women,” Smittcamp said.

Police Chief Mindy Casto says this year, the Fresno Police Department responded to 234 domestic violence cases involving people ages 13 to 19.

“Don’t be afraid to ask for help for yourself or for your child. And whether that help is from law enforcement, Marjaree Mason Center, or friends and family, please reach out. You do not need to suffer alone,” Casto said.

She urges the importance of recognizing signs of abuse.

“Frequently going along with what their partner says and does in a negative way, seeming worried about constantly keeping the partner happy and walking on eggshells, showing major personality changes, or even talking about their partner’s temper, or that they’re volatile, they’re jealous or possessive,” Casto said 

Chief Programs Officer Leticia Campos says just last month, the Marjaree Mason Center saw 45 teens seeking crisis response services.

“Any time a minor walks through our doors and is a primary victim or any time I have a parent reaching out or a school resource officer reaching out, we are all hands on deck,” Campos said.

Fresno County Superintendent of Schools Dr. Michele Cantwell Copher says when school is out, the issue becomes even more urgent.

“Some students have shared fears about what their partner might do when school is out, when they no longer have access to their school counselors or their school resource officers, where they no longer feel that they have a safe space or campus resources,” Copher said.

The Marjaree Mason Center’s emergency hotline is 559-233-HELP or visit mmcenter.org. 

If you are in immediate danger, contact local law enforcement.