Title
TEEN DATING VIOLENCE AWARENESS MONTH
Body
WHEREAS, one in three teens in the United States will suffer physical, emotional, verbal or digital abuse from a dating partner, a figure that far exceeds victimization rates for other types of violence affecting youth; and
WHEREAS, nearly half of teens who experience dating violence report that incidents of abuse occurred in a school building or on school grounds; and
WHEREAS, only 33% percent of teens in abusive relationships ever tell anyone about the abuse, and 81% of parents surveyed either believe teen dating violence is not an issue or admit they do not know if it is one; and
WHEREAS, young survivors of dating violence are likely to engage in self-injurious or high-risk behaviors, to carry patterns of abuse into future relationships, and to experience mental health, or emotional challenges; and
WHEREAS, by providing young people and adult allies with education about healthy relationships, relationship skills and changing attitudes that support violence, we recognize that dating violence can be prevented, and by training adults working with youth to recognize teens exhibiting dating violence, we can offer compassionate support services that youth will seek when they are harmed; and
WHEREAS, all teens have the right to a safe and healthy relationship, free from abuse.
NOW, THEREFORE, I Juan Gonzalez, III, Mayor of the City of San Leandro, do hereby proclaim February 2023 as "TEEN DATING VIOLENCE AWARENESS MONTH" and urge all citizens to work toward ending teen dating violence by empowering young people to develop healthier relationships, assisting victims in accessing the information and supportive services they need, creating better resources for young people, instituting effective intervention and prevention policies in schools, and engaging in discussions with family members and peers to promote awareness and prevention of the quiet epidemic of teen dating v...
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