Designating the month of February as "Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month in Philadelphia."

WHEREAS, One in three female teenagers 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; and

WHEREAS, Twenty (20) percent of teen girls exposed to physical dating violence did not attend school because they felt unsafe either at school, or on the way to or from school; and

WHEREAS, Violent relationships in adolescence can have serious ramifications for victims by putting the victims at higher risk for substance abuse, eating disorders, risky sexual behavior, suicide, and adult revictimization; and

WHEREAS, Technologies such as cell phones and the Internet have led to digital abuse - a new frontier that has made dating abuse both more pervasive and more hidden - and impacts approximately 30% of teens; and

WHEREAS, Research has shown that teens are more likely to disclose an abusive relationship to a peer rather than a teacher, parent or authority figure; and

WHEREAS, Primary prevention programs that utilize peer education, community outreach and social marketing are a key part of addressing teen dating violence; and

WHEREAS, Skilled assessment and intervention programs are also necessary for youth victims and abusers; and

WHEREAS, Communities must empower teens to develop healthier relationships; and

WHEREAS, Continued support of The Bryson Institute of the Attic Youth Center, Women Against Abuse, Galaei, Lutheran Settlement House, Congreso de Latinos Unidos, Women in Transition, Women Organized Against Rape, Youth Emergency Services, Youth Health Empowerment Project, and Youth Service Inc., is essential for the continuation of programs and activities to teach teens about healthy relationships and to promote awareness and prevention of the crime of teen dating violence; and

WHEREAS, The residents of Philadelphia including youth and parents, schools, law enforcement and interested groups are encouraged to observe Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month by taking action to increase awareness and prevention of teen dating violence in their communities; and

WHEREAS, The establishment of Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month in Philadelphia will benefit schools, communities, and families regardless of socioeconomic status, race, or sex; now, therefore

RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, That Council hereby designates the month of February 2011 as “Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month” in Philadelphia.

End