The city of San Marcos proclaimed February as Dating Violence Awareness Month.
One in three adolescents is a victim of physical, sexual, emotional or verbal abuse from a dating partner.
“The effects of dating violence impact youth in all communities and cuts across economic, racial, gender and societal barriers,” the proclamation stated. “Respectful, supportive and non-violent relationships are key to safety, health and academic success.”
By providing teens and young adults with education about healthy relationships and relationship skills and by changing attitudes that support violence, we recognize that dating violence can be prevented.
“Family, friends, teachers, coaches, faith leaders, community members and other important people in young peoples’ lives have the power to influence youth in positive ways,” the proclamation stated. “Last year Hays-Caldwell Woman’s Center provided 61 dating violence prevention and healthy relationships presentations to 2,430 teens and young adults.”
Last year Hays-Caldwell Woman’s Center reached an audience of more than 790,000 through Prevention Education Toolkit Downloads.
“We must work together to raise awareness and promote healthy dating relationships with activities and conversations about mutually respectful and non-violent relationships in our homes, schools and communities,” the proclamation stated.
