HR0184 102ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR0184 LRB102 17942 ECR 24642 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, Teen dating violence, also known as dating abuse, is a serious and growing problem throughout Illinois; this abuse can include physical violence, sexual violence, psychological aggression, stalking, and other harmful behaviors and can happen in person, online, and through other technology; and

WHEREAS, Teen dating violence intervention and prevention programs can help to ensure a positive school climate and safe learning environment for all youth aged 12 to 24; and

WHEREAS, Education and outreach programs to community members address warning signs of teen dating violence among youth before behaviors escalate and protect the safety of targeted youth; and

WHEREAS, Consistent with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's recommendations for a comprehensive primary prevention program, multiple strategies are required, such as teaching safe and healthy relationship skills, engaging influential adults and peers, disrupting the developmental pathways toward partner violence, creating protective environments, strengthening economic supports for families, and supporting survivors to increase safety and lessen harm; and

WHEREAS, Each year, nearly one in 11 female and approximately one in 14 male high school students report having experienced physical dating violence; 26 percent of women and 15 percent of men who were victims of contact sexual violence, physical violence, and/or stalking by an intimate partner in their lifetime first experienced these or other forms of violence by that partner before the age of 18; and

WHEREAS, According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's teen dating violence prevention model, Dating Matters: Strategies to Promote Healthy Teen Relationships, one in three adolescents report verbal, emotional, physical, or sexual dating abuse each year; and

WHEREAS, According to the American Psychological Association, one in three teens aged 14 to 20 have experienced dating abuse, and about the same number say they have committed dating abuse themselves; and

WHEREAS, More than 40 percent of Native American children experience two or more acts of violence by the age of 18; and

WHEREAS, According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, one in nine female teens and one in 36 male teens reported experiencing sexual dating violence in the last year; and

WHEREAS, 43 percent of LGB teens reported experiencing physical dating violence compared to 29 percent of heterosexual youth; and

WHEREAS, 59 percent of LGB teens have reported emotional abuse compared to 46 percent of heterosexual youth; and

WHEREAS, Fifty percent of transgender youth have reported experiencing sexual violence at some point in their lives; and

WHEREAS, Teen dating violence has been linked to other forms of violence and aggression against peers, including sexual harassment, sexual violence, and physical violence; and

WHEREAS, Survivors of teen dating violence have increased risk for truancy and dropping out of school, teen pregnancy, suicide, depression, anxiety, having eating disorders, using alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs, and engaging in antisocial behaviors like lying, stealing, bullying, or violence; and

WHEREAS, Nearly one-half of students who experience dating violence have reported that some of the abuse took place on school grounds; and

WHEREAS, Survivors of teen dating violence are also at increased risk for carrying a weapon to school, being threatened or injured with a weapon at school, and damaging school property; and

WHEREAS, Youth who are survivors in high school are at higher risk for victimization during college, and adolescent perpetrators of dating violence are more likely to abuse their intimate partners as adults; and

WHEREAS, During the pre-teen and teen years, it is critical for youth to begin learning the skills needed to create and maintain healthy relationships; and

WHEREAS, The establishment of Teen Dating Violence Awareness and Prevention Month will benefit schools, communities, families, and all youth; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE ONE HUNDRED SECOND GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we declare February of 2022 as Teen Dating Violence Awareness and Prevention Month and encourage communities to empower teens to develop healthy and violence-free relationships throughout their lives; and be it further

RESOLVED, That we urge the people of Illinois, including schools, community groups, families, and youth, to observe Teen Dating Violence Awareness and Prevention Month with programs and activities that raise awareness about the dynamics of teen dating violence and support youth in learning the skills to have safe and healthy relationships.