2012 -- S 2267

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LC00349

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STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY

JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2012

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S E N A T E R E S O L U T I O N

DECLARING THE MONTH OF FEBRUARY TO BE "NATIONAL TEEN DATING

VIOLENCE AWARENESS AND PREVENTION MONTH" IN THE STATE OF

RHODE ISLAND

     Introduced By: Senators Lanzi, DiPalma, Lynch, Walaska, and Gallo

     Date Introduced: February 01, 2012

     Referred To: Recommended for Immediate Consideration

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     WHEREAS, National Teen Dating Violence Awareness and Prevention Month reflects

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our Nation's growing understanding that violence within relationships often begins during

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adolescence.  Each year, about one in four teens report being the victim of verbal, physical,

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emotional, or sexual violence. Abusive relationships can impact adolescent development, and

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teens who experience dating violence may suffer long-term negative behavioral and health

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consequences.  Adolescents in controlling or violent relationships may carry these dangerous and

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unhealthy patterns into future relationships. The time to break the cycle of teen dating violence is

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now, before another generation falls victim to this tragedy; and

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     WHEREAS, Though many communities face the problem of teen dating violence, young

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people can be afraid to discuss it, or they may not recognize the severity of physical, emotional,

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or sexual abuse. Parents and other adults can also be uncomfortable acknowledging that young

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people experience abuse, or may be unaware of its occurrence. To help stop abuse before it starts,

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mentors and leaders can stress the importance of mutual respect; now, therefore be it

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     RESOLVED, That this Senate of the State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations

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hereby proclaims February 2012 to be "National Teen Dating Violence Awareness and

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Prevention Month." We call upon all Rhode Islanders to support efforts in their communities and

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schools, and in their own families, to empower young people to develop healthy relationships

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throughout their lives and to engage in activities that prevent and respond to teen dating violence;

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and be it further

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     RESOLVED, That the Secretary of State be and he hereby is authorized and directed to

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transmit a duly certified copy of this resolution to United States Senator Mike Crapo.

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LC00349

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