HomeMy WebLinkAbout17-022RESOLUTION NO. 17-022
A RESOLUTION PROCLAIMING FEBRUARY 2017 AS "TEEN DATING VIOLENCE
AWARENESS AND PREVENTION MONTH" IN ST. LUCIE COUNTY, FLORIDA
WHEREAS, the Board of County Commissioners of St. Lucie County, Florida has made the
following determinations:
1. Females between the ages of 16-24 are more vulnerable to intimate partner violence,
experiencing abuse at a rate almost triple the national average.
2. One in three adolescent 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.
3. 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.
4. Young people victimized by a dating partner are more likely to engage in risky sexual
behaviors and the experience may disrupt normal development of self esteem and body image.
5. 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 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 it if it is one.
6. By providingyoung peoplewith education about healthy relationships and relationship skills
and by changing attitudes that support violence, we recognize that dating violence can be
prevented.
7. 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.
8. The establishment of Teen Dating Violence Awareness and Prevention Month will benefit
young people, their families, schools and communities regardless of socioeconomic status, gender,
sexual orientation or ethnicity.
9. Everyone has the right to a safe and healthy relationship and to be free from abuse.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Board of County Commissioners of St. Lucie County,
Florida that this Board does hereby proclaim the month of February 2017 as "Teen Dating Violence
Awareness and Prevention Month" and urge all citizens to BREAK THE SILENCE and promote the
awareness and prevention of the quiet epidemic of teen dating violence.
PASSED AND DULY ADOPTED this 21St day of February, 2017.
ATTEST:
BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
ST. LUCIE C /
BY: •C�
CHAI AN
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APPROVED A$XO FXHMAND CORRECTNF� - -
COUNTY ATTORNEY
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