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HomeMy WebLinkAboutProclamation 2/2/2015 Cttp of ill etaIunta 1I rocfamatton I TEEN DATING VIOLENCE AWARENESS AND PREVENTION MONTH-FEBRUARY 2015 WHEREAS, one in three adolescents 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. 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 mor: likely to carry patterns of abuse into future relationships; and WHEREAS, nearly half of teens who experience dating violence report that incidents of abuse took place in a school building or on school grounds; only 33%of teens who are in an abusiv: relationship ever tell anyone about the abuse; and 81%of parents surveyed either believe teen datin: violence is not an issue or admit they do not know if it is one; and WHEREAS, by providing young people with education about healthy relationships and relationship skills, and by changing attitudes that support violence, we recognize that dating violenc can be prevented; and WHEREAS, it is essential to raise community awareness and to provide training for teacher counselors and school staff so they may recognize when youth are exhibiting signs of dating violenc: benefitting young people, their families, schools and communities regardless of socioeconomic status gender, sexual orientation or ethnicity; and WHEREAS,everyone has the right to a safe and healthy relationship and to be free from abuse. NOW, THEREFORE,BE IT RESOLVED THAT I, David Glass, Mayor of Petaluma, along with the members of the City Council, do hereby proclaim February 2015 as Teen Dating Violence Awareness and Prevention Month and urge all residents to work toward ending teen dating violence by empowering young people to develop healthier relationships; assisting victims in accessing information and supportive services; instituting effective intervention and prevention policies in schools; and engaging in discussions with family members and peers to promote awareness and prevention of teen dating violence. 7 David 94144, Mks 741 • 4 i 44 6. 'b4�r v