2024 Teen Dating Proclamation

PROCLAMATION 
TEEN DATING VIOLENCE PREVENTION AND     
AWARENESS MONTH 
WHEREAS teen dating violence crosses race, gender, and socioeconomic lines; and 
WHEREAS approximately 10% of adolescents across the U.S. report being the victim of 
physical dating violence annually: and 
WHEREAS a violent relationship during adolescence can have serious ramifications for 
victims, including placing them at higher risk for substance abuse, eating disorders, risky sexual 
behavior, suicide, and adult re-victimization; and 
WHEREAS female students experienced higher rates of physical and sexual dating 
violence than male students. Students who identified as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, or 
queer (LGBTQ) or those who were unsure of their gender identity experienced higher rates of 
physical and sexual dating violence compared to students who identified as heterosexual; and 
WHEREAS only 9% of teen victims report seeking help after their victimization 
experience: and 
WHEREAS the City of El Mirage through El Mirage Cares and the El Mirage Police 
Department Victims Assistance Unit will work to educate youth and parents throughout the city 
to promote healthy relationships; and 
WHEREAS by providing young people and their parents with education about healthy 
relationships, building relationship skills, and by changing unhealthy behaviors, we recognize that 
dating violence can be prevented; and 
WHEREAS it is essential to raise awareness among communities and to provide training 
for teachers, counselors, school staff, and parents so that they may recognize when youth are 
exhibiting signs of dating violence; 
NOW, THEREFORE, I, Alexis Hermosillo, Mayor of the City of El Mirage, in the State 
of Arizona, do hereby proclaim February 2024 as TEEN DATING VIOLENCE PREVENTION 
AND AWARENESS MONTH this 6th day of February 2024.  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
______________________________ 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Alexis A. Hermosillo, Mayor