By: Blanco S.R. No. 75
SENATE RESOLUTION
WHEREAS, Communities across the state and around the
country are observing Teen Dating Violence Awareness and
Prevention Month in February 2025; and
WHEREAS, The event's history dates back to 2006, when
Congress established National Teen Dating Violence Prevention
and Awareness Week, which took place the first full week of
February; in 2010, the initiative was expanded to encompass the
entire month, and it was officially recognized by the White House
three years later; the observance serves to remind Americans of
the danger and prevalence of violence in teen dating
relationships; and
WHEREAS, Teen dating violence includes psychological
aggression, stalking, and physical and sexual abuse; surveys
have found that approximately 1 in 12 high school students have
experienced physical or sexual dating violence; and
WHEREAS, Unhealthy and abusive relationships can have
lasting consequences on developing youth; victims of teen dating
violence are more likely to suffer from depression and anxiety,
engage in drug and alcohol abuse, drop out of school, exhibit
antisocial behaviors, and think about suicide; in addition,
violence in adolescent relationships leads to a higher risk of
violence perpetration and victimization later in life; and
WHEREAS, Vigilance against teen dating violence is crucial
to the safety and well-being of Texas youth, and this observance
provides an opportunity to support the survivors of teen dating
violence and to assist parents and caregivers in their education
and prevention efforts; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the Senate of the 89th Texas Legislature
hereby recognize February 2025 as Teen Dating Violence Awareness
and Prevention Month and urge all Texans to learn more about this
critical issue.