5863570 ACR 21-153, Teen Dating Violence Awareness and Prevention Month Recognition Resolution of 2016

A CEREMONIAL RESOLUTION

 

21-153

 

IN THE COUNCIL OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

 

January 5, 2016

 

 

To declare February as “Teen Dating Violence Awareness and Prevention Month” in the District of Columbia.

 

WHEREAS, teens between the ages of 16 and 24 years are more vulnerable to intimate partner violence, experiencing abuse at a rate almost triple the national average;

 

WHEREAS, one in 3 teen girls in the United States is a victim of physical, emotional, or verbal abuse from a dating partner, a figure that far exceeds victimization rates for other types of violence affecting youth;

 

WHEREAS, high school students who experience physical violence in a dating relationship are more likely to use drugs and alcohol, are at greater risk of suicide, and are much more likely to carry patterns of abuse into future relationships;

 

WHEREAS, young people victimized by a dating partner are more likely to engage in risky sexual behavior and unhealthy dieting behaviors, and the experience may disrupt the normal development of self-esteem and positive body image;

 

WHEREAS, nearly half of teens who experience dating violence report that incidents of abuse took place in a school building or on school grounds;  

 

WHEREAS, only 33% of teens who are in an abusive relationship 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;  

 

WHEREAS, lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender teens are just as likely to experience dating violence as teens in opposite-sex relationships;

 

WHEREAS, by providing young people with education about healthy relationships and relationship skills and by changing attitudes that support violence, the Council recognizes that dating violence is preventable;

 

WHEREAS, it is essential to raise community awareness and to provide training for teachers, counselors, and school staff so that they may recognize when youth are exhibiting signs of dating violence;   

 

WHEREAS, the establishment of Teen Dating Violence Awareness and Prevention Month will benefit young people, their families, schools, and communities, regardless of socioeconomic status, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, or ethnicity; and

 

WHEREAS, all residents of the District of Columbia have the right to a safe and healthy relationship and to be free from abuse.

                       

RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, That this resolution may be cited as the “Teen Dating Violence Awareness and Prevention Month Recognition Resolution of 2016”.  

 

Sec. 2. The Council declares February as “Teen Dating Violence Awareness and Prevention Month” in the District of Columbia.

 

Sec. 3. This resolution shall take effect immediately upon the first date of publication in the District of Columbia Register.