Public Comment 2

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PUBLIC SUBMISSION

As of: 11/25/15 1:37 PM
Received: November 03, 2015
Status: Posted
Posted: November 05, 2015
Tracking No. 1jz-8m20-62xx
Comments Due: November 23, 2015
Submission Type: Web

Docket: CDC-2015-0084
Evaluation of Dating Matters®: Strategies to Promote Healthy Teen Relationships 0920-0941
Comment On: CDC-2015-0084-0001
Evaluation of Dating Matters®: Strategies to Promote Healthy Teen Relationships 0920-0941
2015-24030
Document: CDC-2015-0084-0003
Comment from (name)

Submitter Information
Name: Erin Downey

General Comment
I support the continued collection of data that allows for a longitudinal evaluation of the Dating
Matters initiative. The goal of the program is to prevent teen dating violence (TDV) among
middle school students, ages 11-14, living in high-risk urban communities.
The effectiveness and cost of the program can only be determined through the collection of
data. Once program effectiveness and cost is evaluated, the feasibility of program dissemination
can be determined.
As a former resident of Chicago, IL, one of the cities included in the program, I am certain of
the need for such a program. As an aunt of a 13-year old niece attending an inner-city middle
school, I have a personal interest in the program succeeding.
There is no other program that duplicates the purpose of Dating Matters so no other data source
exists. In this case, data collection is essential to evaluate the program. Further, previously
collected data was used in a randomized control trial (RCT) to perform an initial program
evaluation. This proves that the data collected is used responsibly and offers a practical utility.
Considering the number of participants, 46 schools in 4 different communities, the estimated
burden hours (3,299) to collect data is reasonable. Plus, a web-based survey is offered that
further minimizes the burden of data collection.

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11/25/2015