Moore, Dingell, and Fitzpatrick Introduce Resolution Designating February 2025 as “National Teen Dating Violence Awareness and Prevention Month”

Washington, D.C.—Today, Representatives Gwen Moore (WI-04), Debbie Dingell (MI-06), and Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-01) introduced a resolution designating February 2025 as “National Teen Dating Violence Awareness and Prevention Month.”

“For far too many teens, early dating experiences can turn violent, aggressive, and traumatic, which is why we must help promote healthy relationships. With this resolution, my colleagues and I are encouraging community-based efforts to prevent teen dating violence and raise awareness.” said Representative Gwen Moore (WI-04).

“Approximately 1 in 12 high school students -1 in 5 girls and 1 in 10 boys- experience some sort of abuse from a dating partner. Yet, many parents and educators don’t talk to teenagers about dating violence,” Representative Debbie Dingell (MI-06) said. “This resolution shines a light on the tragic short- and long-term impacts of teen dating violence. It is critical for teens to understand what healthy relationships look like, and to know where they can turn for help if they feel unsafe.”

“Teen dating violence is an alarming reality among teens across our nation, often resulting in devastating long-term consequences,” said Representative Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-01). “Protecting our youth must be a priority, and that begins by empowering victims and supporting comprehensive educational prevention programs. We must take meaningful action to ensure that all young people have the necessary support to foster positive, healthy, and uplifting relationships.”

“The fact that teens experience higher rates of sexual violence than adults highlights the urgent need for comprehensive prevention efforts. Teen Dating Violence Prevention Month plays a critical role in raising awareness, educating young people about healthy relationships, and empowering communities to take action. We appreciate Rep. Moore’s continued leadership in advancing policies that address and prevent sexual violence,” said Amanda Dotson, Co-Executive Director at the Wisconsin Coalition Against Sexual Assault.

“The National Network to End Domestic Violence is proud to recognize National Teen Dating Violence Awareness and Prevention Month each February. We all have a role to play in helping model the kinds of communities and relationships that we want to pass along to the next generation. Listening to teens, learning from their expertise, educating them, and empowering them to understand the importance of healthy, respectful, and nonviolent relationships is key to our work to build a world where domestic violence no longer exists,” said Stephanie Love-Patterson, NNEDV President & CEO

“Every day, we hear from young people at The Hotline and our youth helpline who are navigating the complexities of dating violence. Teen dating violence is a pervasive issue that demands our urgent attention. This resolution reaffirms our collective commitment to education, prevention, and support for youth across the country,” said Katie Ray-Jones, CEO of the National Domestic Violence Hotline.

“Domestic violence starts early, with approximately 1 in 9 teen girls experiencing physical dating violence and approximately 1 in 11 of teen girls experiencing sexual dating violence every year,” says Meredith Jacobs, CEO of Jewish Women International (JWI). “More than a quarter of women who experience intimate partner violence first experienced IPV before turning 18. Violence against young people can have lifelong consequences, impacting physical, psychological, and financial health and wellbeing. JWI applauds Representative Moore for introducing the Teen Dating Violence Resolution to bring attention to this critical public health crisis.”

“Dating violence remains a serious threat to the lives and safety of young women and all young people,” said Esta Soler, President and Founder of Futures Without Violence. “In fact it’s teens and young adults who experience the highest rates of physical and sexual violence in the United States. Fortunately, violence is preventable but it requires will and resources to educate parents, other caring adults and youth themselves on how to prevent dating violence and support those who may experience it. Thank you Congresswoman Moore for continuing to be our champion when it comes to preventing violence against teens.”

Background
Beyond designating February as National Teen Dating Violence Awareness and Prevention Month and recognizing this epidemic’s disproportionate impact on teenage women, the resolution also calls on youth, parents, schools, law enforcement, nonprofit organization, and other stakeholders to observe this month with programs and efforts that promote awareness and prevent teen dating violence.

Teen dating violence—which includes physical violence, sexual violence, psychological aggression, and/or stalking—affects almost half of teens, and these survivors become twice as likely to consider suicide. However, 1 in 9 female high school students report experiencing sexual dating violence compared to 1 in 36 males, and this gender disparity persists into adulthood.[1] Risk factors like poverty, high alcohol outlet density, and weak community sanctions only amplify this threat.[2]

Recognizing the life-altering danger teen dating violence poses and responding to research on prevention best practices, the resolution aims to support healthy relationship development within at-risk communities to stop intimate partner violence before it happens.

Read the full text of the resolution here.

[1] 2019 Youth Risk Behavior Survey qtd in resolution text

[2] CDC qtd in resolution text

NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. While it is believed to be reliable, Urban Milwaukee does not guarantee its accuracy or completeness.