28-05-2025
Hampden DA's Office hosts ‘Preventing Dating Violence' program for students
CHICOPEE, Mass. (WWLP) – Students from Chicopee High School participated in a presentation hosted by the Hampden District Attorney's Office on Monday to discuss dating abuse prevention.
This presentation was offered through the DA Office Community Safety and Outreach Unit's (CSO) '1 in 11: Preventing Dating Violence' program. Over 1,100 Chicopee students came to watch a documentary detailing the story of Kathryn Mauke, a Springfield teenager who was killed by her ex-boyfriend in 2015.
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In the film, Kathryn is portrayed as an accomplished student and individual, participating in the Oxbow Water Ski Show team and the American International College Model Congress. Throughout high school, she had a boyfriend a few years older than her, and when she broke up with him and started dating someone new, he had a difficult time moving on.
'I knew he was into things that I didn't want my sister getting into,' Kathryn's sister, Ashley Mauke, shared in the film. 'Not terrible things, but just like, smoking weed and doing extracurriculars that weren't something I did and weren't something I wanted my sister to do. For those reasons, I told her to stay away from him right off the bat, but who's going to listen to their older sister? Especially when it's about a guy.'
The film stated that Kathryn's ex-boyfriend continued contacting her and demonstrating emotionally controlling behavior toward her. On February 11, 2015, Kathryn felt sick and stayed home from school. When her ex-boyfriend tried to contact her, she told him she was sick and that their relationship was over.
Kathryn's sister, Mariah Murke, came home from school later that day and found Kathryn dead with 32 stab wounds. Kathryn's tragic story has allowed the Mauke family to partner with the Hampden DA's Office and educate students on dating violence in an effort to prevent future tragedies like this one.
'Nearly one in 11 female high school students, and one in 14 male high school students have reported experiencing physical dating violence,' Hampden DA Anthony Gulluni said. 'There is no doubt that teens are at a high risk, and that abuse happens more often than we'd like to believe. However, if you know the warning signs, you're better equipped to protect yourself and those around you from abuse.'
After watching the documentary, the students spoke with the CSO team on recognizing dating abuse warning signs, such as excessive calling or texting about whereabouts, isolation from loved ones, and threats. They also received resources from the district to take home and to place inside bathroom stalls and other discreet places throughout the high school for those who may need help.
Excessive calling and texting about whereabouts
Isolation from family and friends
Physical, emotional, and sexual abuse
Threatening violence toward a partner or oneself
Withholding money or credit cards
Seeking control
Use of alcohol, drug use,
Stress as excuses for their behaviors
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