FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Susan Wheeler, (Crapo) (202) 224-5150

December 12, 2008 Clinton Press Office (202) 224-2243

Michael Brumas, (Murkowski) (202) 224-9301

> **Erika Masonhall (Lieberman) (202) 224-4041**

**Julie Halpin (Schumer) (202) 224-7433**

**Eric Kleiman (Bayh) (202) 224-1602**

**SENATE DECLARES FEBRUARY 2 -- 6, 2009 "NATIONAL TEEN DATING VIOLENCE
AWARENESS AND PREVENTION WEEK"**

***S. Res. 710 passes by Unanimous Consent***

*** ***

WASHINGTON, D.C.--- In the final hour of the 110^th^ Congress last night
a resolution declaring February 2 -- 6, 2009, "National Teen Dating
Violence Awareness and Prevention Week," passed the Senate by Unanimous
Consent.  Idaho Senator Mike Crapo, who introduced the measure, was
joined by his colleagues, Senators Hillary Rodham Clinton (D-New York),
Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska), Joe Lieberman (ID-CT), Charles Schumer (D-New
York) and Evan Bayh (D-IN), who introduced the resolution with him in
November.  This marks the fourth year that the United States Senate has
introduced a resolution declaring the first full week in February as a
time to encourage local, state and national organizations, governments
and private industry to call attention to the tragedy and pervasiveness
of teen dating violence in communities nationwide. 

"Dating violence has been shown to be a precursor to adult domestic
violence; it is a cruel reality for many American teens," said Crapo. 
"We must teach our children what it means to have healthy relationships
free from harassment, fear and physical and emotional abuse.  This
annual effort helps communities across the nation raise awareness of the
destructive and sometimes fatal dating relationships of our teens, and
promotes prevention of this violence.  I'm honored to have spearheaded
efforts to raise awareness here in the United States Senate, and I want
to thank my Senate colleagues and our more than 50 national, state and
local Teen Dating Violence Awareness and Prevention Initiative partners
for their ongoing support and outreach." 

"I'm proud to once again join Senator Crapo, our colleagues and all of
our Initiative Partners to continue our efforts to raise awareness about
the tragedy of teen dating abuse and violence," said Clinton. "Declaring
"National Teen Dating Violence Awareness and Prevention Week" and
providing education on this issue for teens are critical steps towards
breaking this dangerous cycle. We must teach youth everywhere that
abuse- be it emotional or physical- is never acceptable. Our work is far
from over to protect every woman, man and child from domestic violence."

"Teen dating violence, which unfortunately is on the rise in Alaska,
must be addressed," said Murkowski.  "It is important that we raise
awareness of the problem and teach adolescents that mutual respect is a
hallmark of any healthy relationship.  Youth must understand that
harassment or abuse of any sort is simply unacceptable." 

 

"Teen dating violence is a serious problem in Connecticut and the
Nation.  We can come closer to breaking the cycle of domestic violence
by raising awareness and teaching today's children to develop healthy
relationships," said Senator Lieberman.  "It is my hope that more
potential victims are spared with each year we recognize National Teen
Dating Violence Awareness Week."

"It is absolutely necessary for us to bring national attention to a
serious issue that affects so many young Americans," Schumer said.
"Teens must become aware of dating violence and learn what constitutes a
healthy relationship and what constitutes an unhealthy relationship. I
am very proud to have joined my Senate colleagues in declaring National
Teen Dating Violence Awareness and Prevention Week."

"Teenagers in violent relationships are at far higher risk of engaging
in dangerous behaviors such as drug and alcohol abuse," Bayh said.
"Young people deserve the support of caring, compassionate adults they
can turn to in a time of crisis. National Teen Dating Violence Awareness
and Prevention Week deserves credit for bringing this serious issue to
light. An ounce of prevention is truly worth a pound of cure when it
comes to the safety of our children."

The crime of teen dating violence, including physical, emotional and
sexual assault, and harassment via texting, email or Instant Messaging
is a reality for many American teenagers.  

 

-   One in eleven adolescents reports being a victim of physical dating
    violence. 

-   30 percent of teens in a dating relationship have been text-messaged
    10, 20, or 30 times an hour by a partner finding out where they are,
    what they are doing or who they are with. 

-   One in five teens in a serious relationship reports having been hit,
    slapped or pushed by a partner. 

-   29 percent of girls in a relationship report having been pressured
    to go further sexually than they really wanted. 

 

The Teen Dating Violence Awareness and Prevention Initiative was started
by teens through the American Bar Association in 2004.  In 2006, the
first national "week" was declared by Congress, and has been recognized
every year since then.  Since its inception, a number of governors have
declared proclamations, and today, the Initiative includes over 50
national, state and local agencies and organizations as partners.  More
information can be found at: 
<http://crapo.senate.gov/issues/teen_dating_violence.cfm> 

 

 

To directly link to this news release, please use the following address:
<http://crapo.senate.gov/media/newsreleases/release_full.cfm?id=305863>

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