[United States Statutes at Large, Volume 125, 112th Congress, 1st Session]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

 
Proclamation 8626 of January 31, 2011

National Teen Dating Violence Awareness and Prevention Month, 2011
By the President of the United States of America
A Proclamation
National Teen Dating Violence Awareness and Prevention Month reflects
our Nation's growing understanding that violence within relationships
often begins during adolescence. Each year, about one in four teens
report being the victim of verbal, physical, emotional, or sexual
violence. Abusive relationships can impact adolescent development, and
teens who experience dating violence may suffer long-term negative
behavioral and health consequences. Adolescents in controlling or
violent relationships may carry these dangerous and unhealthy patterns
into future relationships. The time to break the cycle of teen dating
violence is now, before another generation falls victim to this tragedy.
Though many communities face the problem of teen dating violence, young
people can be afraid to discuss it, or they may not recognize the
severity of physical, emotional, or sexual abuse. Parents and other
adults can also be uncomfortable acknowledging that young people
experience abuse, or may be unaware of its occurrence. To help stop
abuse before it starts, mentors and leaders must stress the importance
of mutual respect and challenge representations in popular culture that
can lead young people to accept unhealthy behavior in their
relationships.
Our efforts to take on teen dating violence must address the social
realities of adolescent life today. Technology such as cell phones,
email, and social networking websites play a major role in many
teenagers' lives, but these tools are sometimes tragically used for
control, stalking, and victimization. Emotional abuse using digital
technology, including frequent text messages, threatening emails, and
the circulation of embarrassing messages or photographs without consent,
can be devastating to young teens. I encourage concerned teens, parents,
and loved ones to contact the National Teen Dating Abuse Helpline at 1-
866-331-9474 or visit www.LoveIsRespect.org to receive immediate and
confidential advice and referrals.
My Administration is committed to engaging a broad spectrum of community
partners to curb and prevent teen dating violence. The Department of
Justice's Office on Violence Against Women supports collaborative
efforts to enhance teens' understanding of healthy relationships, help
them identify signs of abuse, and assist them in locating services.
Resources are available at: www.OVW.USDOJ.gov/teen--dating--
violence.htm. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention also
provide tools to help prevent dating violence among teens. More
information is available at: www.CDC.gov/ChooseRespect.

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During National Teen Dating Violence Awareness and Prevention Month--and
throughout the year--let each of us resolve to do our part to break the
silence and create a culture of healthy relationships for all our young
people. Adults who respect themselves, their partners, and their
neighbors demonstrate positive behaviors to our children--lessons that
will help them lead safe and happy lives free from violence.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of
America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and
the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim February 2011 as
National Teen Dating Violence Awareness and Prevention Month. I call
upon all Americans to support efforts in their communities and schools,
and in their own families, to empower young people to develop healthy
relationships throughout their lives and to engage in activities that
prevent and respond to teen dating violence.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this thirty-first day
of January, in the year of our Lord two thousand eleven, and of the
Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-
fifth.
BARACK OBAMA