Paradise Valley Mayor Jerry Bien-Willner has proclaimed February of 2023 as “Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month.”

The proclamation urges all residents to “work toward ending teen dating violence by empowering young people to develop healthier relationships, assisting victims in accessing the information and supportive services they need, creating better resources for young people in need, implementing effective intervention and prevention policies in schools and engaging in discussions with family members and peers to promote awareness and prevention of the quiet epidemic of teen dating violence.”

Teen dating violence is a common problem among adolescents and young adults ages 10–24 with about 10% of adolescents across the United States reporting physical dating violence annually, according to the proclamation.

It also states that nearly half of teens who experience dating violence report that incidents of abuse took place in a school building or on school grounds.

“High school students who witness, experience or perpetrate physical violence in a dating relationship are more likely to use drugs and alcohol, are at greater risk of suicide and are much more likely to carry patterns of abuse into future relationships,” states the proclamation.

Teen dating violence can be prevented by educating young people as well as adults in the community.

“It is essential to raise community awareness and to provide training for the trusted adults in the lives of adolescents so that they may recognize the signs of dating violence and serve as allies for prevention,” states the proclamation. “Everyone has the right to a safe and healthy relationship and to be free from abuse.”