To: Board of Supervisors
From: Marla Stuart, Employment and Human Services Director
Report Title: Teen Dating Violence Awareness and Prevention Month
?Recommendation of the County Administrator ? Recommendation of Board Committee
RECOMMENDATIONS:
ADOPT a resolution declaring February 2025 Teen Dating Violence Awareness and Prevention Month as recommended by the Employment and Human Services Director.
FISCAL IMPACT:
There is no fiscal impact for this action.
BACKGROUND:
February is National Teen Dating Violence Awareness and Prevention Month (TDVAM). This is an issue that impacts everyone - not just teens - but their parents, teachers, friends and communities as well. Together, we can raise the nation's awareness about teen dating violence and promote safe, healthy relationships.
Nationwide, youth age 12 to 19 experience the highest rates of rape and sexual assault. Studies show that approximately 10% of adolescents report being the victim of physical violence at the hands of an intimate partner. Girls are particularly vulnerable to experiencing violence in their relationships and are more likely to suffer long-term behavioral and health consequences, including suicide attempts, eating disorders, and drug use.
Adolescents in abusive relationships often carry these unhealthy patterns of violence into future relationships. Indeed, children who are victimized or witness violence frequently bring this experience with them to the playground, the classroom, later into teen relationships and, ultimately, they can end up the victims and perpetrators of adult intimate partner violence.
Recognizing and participating in Teen Dating Violence Awareness and Prevention Month (TDVAM) is one way Contra Costa County can help break the cycle of violence.
CONSEQUENCE OF NEGATIVE ACTION:
Contra Costa County would not bring attention to this serious issue.
CHILDREN'S IMPACT STATEMENT:
This resolution supports all five of Contra Costa County's community outcomes of the Childr...
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