Congress Supports National Teen Dating Violence Awareness and Prevention Week

On December 13, the Senate approved, by unanimous consent, a resolution (S. Res. 275) designating the week of February 6, 2006, as “National Teen Dating Violence Awareness and Prevention Week.” The House approved a similar resolution (H. Res. 483) by unanimous consent on December 19.

Sponsored by Sen. Michael Crapo (R-ID) and Rep. Juanita Millender-McDonald (D-CA), the resolution contains a number of findings, including:

• Over 40 percent of male and female high school students surveyed had been victims of dating violence at least once;
• One in three female high school students report being physically abused or sexually abused by a dating partner;
• Violent relationships in adolescence can have serious ramifications for victims, who are at higher risk for substance abuse, eating disorders, risky sexual behavior, suicide, and adult re-victimization;
• Eighty-one percent of parents surveyed either believed dating violence is not a problem or admitted they did not know it is a problem; and
• Establishment of a “National Teen Dating Violence Awareness and Prevention Week” will benefit schools, communities, and families regardless of socioeconomic status, race, or gender.