Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month was proclaimed in the Town of Paradise Valley by Mayor Jerry Bien-Willner at the Town Council meeting last night, Feb. 8.

Charlie Kanarish representing The Jones-Gordon School received the proclamation which states that according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, teen dating violence is a serious public health problem that is common among adolescents and young adults ages 10 to 24 and is the most prevalent type of youth violence. Approximately 10% of adolescents across the United States report being a victim of physical dating violence annually.

High school students who witness, experience or perpetuate 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 perpetuate patterns of abuse in future relationships, the proclamation continued. Only 9% of teen victims report seeking help after their victimization experience.

By educating young people to recognize the root causes of violence and learning skills to build healthy relationships, teen dating violence can be avoided. Nearly half of teen who experience dating violence report that the incidents of abuse took place in a school building or on school grounds, according to the town’s proclamation.

It is essential to raise community awareness and to provide training for trusted adults in the lives of adolescents so that they may recognize the signs of dating violence and serve as allies for prevention.

The town encourages parents and educators to learn the warning signs of teen dating violence, who is at risk, and what tools are available to helpthose who may be experiencing teen violence.