HR0255 100TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR0255 LRB100 12158 MST 24517 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, One in three adolescents in the United States is a victim of physical, emotional, or verbal abuse from a dating partner, a figure far exceeding other types of youth violence; and

WHEREAS, The National Council on Crime and Delinquency points to this issue as being "shockingly common behavior among adolescents"; and

WHEREAS, Violent relationships in adolescence put the victims at higher risk for substance abuse, eating disorders, risky sexual behavior, and further domestic violence; and

WHEREAS, Many youth do not know the difference between a healthy, unhealthy, or abusive relationship - especially when there is no physical abuse present - and are even less aware of how to help peers who are affected by dating violence; and

WHEREAS, Common warning signs of dating abuse can include extreme jealousy, explosive temper, erratic mood swings, constant belittling, and isolation from family and friends; and

WHEREAS, Nearly half of dating college women report experiencing violent and abusive dating behaviors; and

WHEREAS, Teen dating violence is often a difficult subject to discuss for both victims and their families; and

WHEREAS, Organizations such as Break the Cycle and the National Domestic Violence Hotline's "Loveisrespect" project work to raise awareness of teen dating violence and serve as a source of counseling and help for those affected; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE ONE HUNDREDTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we recognize Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month in February of 2017 and 2018 and support and encourage the work of individuals and organizations who provide effective and essential prevention programming for adolescents and offer them resources, tips, and guidance on how to navigate the perils and pitfalls of adolescent dating during this especially critical time in their lives.