Supporting the goals and ideals of National Teen Dating Violence Awareness and Prevention Week.

Whereas 1 in 3 female high school students reports being physically abused or sexually abused by a dating partner;

Whereas over 40 percent of male and female high school students surveyed had been victims of dating violence at least once;

Whereas violent relationships in adolescence can have serious ramifications for victims, who are at higher risk for substance abuse, eating disorders, risky sexual behavior, suicide, and adult re-vicimization;

Whereas the severity of violence among intimate partners has been shown to increase if the pattern was established in adolescence;

Whereas 81 percent of parents surveyed either believed dating violence is not a problem or admitted they did not know it is a problem;

Whereas the week of February 6, 2006, has been recognized as an appropriate week for activities furthering awareness of teen dating violence; and

Whereas recognizing a National Teen Dating Violence Awareness and Prevention Week would benefit schools, communities, and families regardless of socioeconomic status, race, or gender: Now, therefore, be it