2017 -- H 5528

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     STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY

JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2017

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H O U S E   R E S O L U T I O N

PROCLAIMING THE MONTH OF FEBRUARY, 2017, AS "TEEN DATING VIOLENCE

PREVENTION MONTH"

     Introduced By: Representatives Ackerman, McEntee, Casimiro, Fogarty, and Carson

     Date Introduced: February 15, 2017

     Referred To: House read and passed

     WHEREAS, One in four Rhode Islanders report being the victim of verbal, physical,

emotional, or sexual violence by a partner, and nearly one in ten Rhode Island High School

students has already experienced physical dating violence; and

     WHEREAS, National statistics show that most victims first experience dating violence

between the ages of 11 through 24; and

     WHEREAS, Teens who are victims of dating violence are at higher risk for underage

drinking, drug abuse, attempted suicide, eating disorders, and bullying; and

     WHEREAS, Adolescents who have experienced or are in controlling or violent

relationships may carry these dangerous and unhealthy patterns into their future relationships; and

     WHEREAS, There are currently teens in every Rhode Island community who have or

will experience dating violence, but they are often afraid to discuss or report it, or may not even

recognize that they are in an abusive relationship; and

     WHEREAS, Parents and other adults can also be uncomfortable acknowledging or may

be unaware that a young person is or has experienced abuse; and

     WHEREAS, Rhode Island teens who are victims of dating violence, as well as parents,

teachers, and others, can learn more about the problem, including warning signs, types of abuse,

and available resources to help young people; and

     WHEREAS, In addition, adults can model respectful behavior and open communication,

and can promote healthy relationships; and

     WHEREAS, It is fitting that this House recognizes and promotes programs and

organizations that strive to protect and educate our state's youth; now, therefore be it

     RESOLVED, That this House of Representatives of the State of Rhode Island and

Providence Plantations hereby proclaims the month of February, 2017, as " Teen Dating Violence

& Prevention Month." We furthermore join the RI Coalition Against Domestic Violence in

urging all Rhode Islanders to support efforts in their communities, schools, and within their

families to empower young people to prevent and respond to teen dating violence; and be it

further

     RESOLVED, That the Secretary of state be and hereby is authorized and directed to

transmit a duly certified copy of this resolution to Deborah DeBare, Executive Director, RI

Coalition Against Domestic Violence.

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