WHEREAS, all Alaskans have the right to healthy and safe relationships, and it is of utmost importance that adequate education about healthy relationships be available to Alaska’s youth, as well as shelter and assistance for those who are experiencing abuse; and
WHEREAS, dating violence is a pattern of behavior involving the use or threat of physical, sexual, verbal emotional, and/or other abusive behavior to harm, harass, or control another person with whom they have or had an intimate relationship; and
WHEREAS, dating violence can result in long-lasting pain, increased risk of substance abuse, depression, suicide, poor academic performance, risky or unhealthy behaviors, and further risk of future abuse from a partner in adulthood; and
WHEREAS, in the year 2022, approximately 1 in 12 high school students in America reported experiencing physical or sexual dating violence; and
WHEREAS, the prevalence of sexual and intimate partner violence is a major public health concern in Alaska, and it is vital that we provide young Alaskans the tools and education necessary to acknowledge, prevent, and avoid abuse in relationships.
NOW THEREFORE, I, Mike Dunleavy, GOVERNOR OF THE STATE OF ALASKA, do hereby proclaim February 2024 as:
Teen Dating Violence Awareness and Prevention Month
in Alaska and encourage all Alaskans to take a proactive role in ending dating violence by seeking out education on healthy relationships and fostering safe and healthy environments for all individuals in every community.
Dated: February 1, 2024
