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House of Representatives
Session of 2017 - 2018 Regular Session

MEMORANDUM

Posted:	February 27, 2017 12:52 PM
From:	Representative Joanna E. McClinton
To:	All House members
Subject:	Resolution: Designating February 2017 as "Teen Dating and Violence Awareness and Prevention Month" in Pennsylvania

In the near future, I plan to introduce a resolution designating February 2017 as "Teen Dating and Violence Awareness and Prevention Month" in Pennsylvania. Teen dating violence includes physical, emotional and sexual assault and harassment. This can take place via texting, e-mail or instant messaging. Research shows that this behavior on average, begins between the ages of 12 and 18. The statistics relating to teen dating violence are alarming. Nearly 1.5 million high school students nationwide experience physical abuse from a dating partner each year. Girls and young women between the ages of 16 and 24 experience the highest rate of violence, nearly triple the national average. In addition, there are serious ramifications for those who experience violence. These individuals are at higher risk for substance abuse, eating disorders, risky sexual behavior, further domestic violence, and suicide. In an effort to raise awareness, there are cell phone apps that serve as an educational resource for parents, as well as an app to help determine if a relationship is unsafe. Everyone can help reduce this violence by raising awareness and speaking up about abuse when they see it. I hope you will join me in supporting this important resolution.

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