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3.2 Proclamation - DVACK Teen Dating ViolenceTeen Dating Violence Awareness Month Proclamation February 2023 WHEREAS, 1 in 3 adolescents in the United States are 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; and WHEREAS, females between the ages 16-24 are most vulnerable to intimate partner and sexual violence, experiencing abuse at a rate almost triple the national average; 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, parents, and professionals with education about healthy relationships, warning signs of abuse, and relationship skills and by changing attitudes that support violence, we recognize that dating violence can be prevented; and WHEREAS, the Domestic Violence Association of Central Kansas needs all of Salina 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 discussion with family members and peers to promote awareness and prevention of the quiet epidemic of teen dating violence. NOW, THEREFORE, the City of Salina Board of Commissioners hereby designates February 2023 as Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month and urges citizens to recognize and assist all those who serve the rights and needs of victims of teen dating violence. DATED this 13'x' day of February, 2023. Michael L. Hoppock, Mayor