February 4, 2010

Markell Declares February to be Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month

Governor Jack Markell declared today that February is Teen Dating Violence Awareness and Prevention month, urging students and parents to learn more about the issue.

“Education and action can help reduce the incidence rate of teen dating violence. As the father of two teenagers, I know how critical it is to talk directly and openly with our kids and let them know to never stand for abuse of any kind," Markell said.

According to National Teen Dating Abuse Helpline, one in five teens who have been in a serious relationship report being hit, slapped, or pushed by a partner.  One in three teenagers report knowing a friend or peer who has been hit, punched, kicked, slapped, choked or physically hurt by their partner.  Emotional abuse and harassment, both on and offline, are also serious problems.

At a ceremony at Delcastle Technical High School, Attorney General Beau Biden also emphasized the importance of preventing teen dating violence.  Senate Majority Leader Patricia Blevins and Representative Michael Barbieri presented House Concurrent Resolution 23 recognizing February 2010 as Teen Dating Violence Awareness and Prevention month by the General Assembly.

The winners of the Fourth Annual Teen Dating Violence Awareness and Prevention Month Poster Contest were recognized. High school students from Delcastle, Middletown, Ferris School, and Cape Henlopen participated in the poster contest sponsored by Delaware’s Teen Dating Violence Awareness and Prevention Month Planning Committee. Angelita Matos from Delcastle High School,  Moraima Jaqueez from Middletown High School, Isacc L. from Ferris School and Paulis Petrovics from Cape Henlopen High School were each awarded prizes for their winning posters, which were selected by the students from each of the respective schools.