PROCLAMATION from Fred Camillo, First Selectman
WHEREAS, One in three adolescent girls in the United States is a victim of physical, emotional or verbal abuse from a dating partner, which far exceeds victimization rates for other types of violence affecting youth; and
WHEREAS, High school students who experience physical violence in a dating relationship are more likely to use drugs and alcohol, are at a greater risk of suicide and are much more likely to carry patterns of abuse into future relationships; and
WHEREAS, Teens who experience dating violence are likely to repeat relationship patterns, and therefore also experience abuse as adults; and
WHEREAS, Young people victimized by a dating partner are more likely to engage in risky sexual behavior and unhealthy dieting behaviors and have low academic performance and truancy, disrupting normal development of self-esteem and body image; 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, YWCA Greenwich works to provide young people with education on healthy relationships and by changing attitudes that support violence, we recognize that dating violence can be prevented.
NOW, THEREFORE, l, Fred Camillo, FIRST SELECTMAN OF THE TOWN OF GREENWICH, do
hereby proclaim February 2020 as
Teen Dating Violence Awareness and Prevention Month
in the Town of Greenwich and urge the community to work toward ending teen dating violence by empowering young people to develop healthier relationships, assisting victims in assessing information and support services needed, instituting effective intervention and prevention in schools and engaging in discussions with family members and peers.