WHEREAS, females between the ages 16-24 are more vulnerable to intimate partner violence, experiencing abuse at a rate almost triple the national average; and
WHEREAS, one in ten San Juan County teens (male and female) reported being physically hurt by a dating partner in 2009; and
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; and
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 normal development of self-esteem and body image; 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; and
WHEREAS, only 33% of teens who are in an abusive relationship 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, by providing young people with education about healthy relationships and relationship skills and by changing attitudes that support violence, we recognize that dating violence can be prevented; and
WHEREAS, the establishment of Dating Violence Prevention and Awareness Month will benefit 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, Tommy Roberts, Mayor of Farmington, NM does hereby proclaim February 2011, Dating Violence Prevention and Awareness Month, throughout Farmington, NM. I urge all community members 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 and more resources for young people in need, 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 violence.
