While physical distancing helps to prevent spread of the coronavirus, these measures have also resulted in increasing reports of intimate partner violence throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. Intimate partner violence is a multi-faceted issue, though failure to implement comprehensive sexuality education (CSE) in the United States undoubtedly puts all people at increased risk for violence. Within the U.S., CSE is not standardized across states, counties, or even school systems, and a large proportion of sexuality education programs are not evidence-based or medically accurate. If we are to adequately address intimate partner violence, the United States must urgently invest in comprehensive sexuality education. CSE equips youth and adolescents with the necessary tools to develop a healthy self-identity, challenge societal norms, promote gender equality, prevent gender-based violence, and ultimately, lead healthier and more fulfilling lives.

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