craigdailypress.com

To the editor:

February is now recognized by the city of Craig as “Teen Dating Violence Prevention and Awareness Month.”

Advocates-Crisis Support Services, SAFE (a teens against violence group) and the city of Craig have come together to demonstrate our commitment to ending teen dating violence, and to supporting the numerous victims and survivors among us.

A portion of the proclamation is as follows:

Whereas, one in three adolescent girls in the United States is a victim of physical, emotional or verbal abuse from a dating partner; and

Whereas, high school students who experience physical violence in a dating relationship are more likely to use drugs and alcohol, engage in risky sexual behavior, are at a greater risk of suicide and are much more likely to carry patterns of abuse into future relationships; and

Whereas, the establishment of Dating Violence Prevention and Awareness Month will benefit young people, their families, schools and communities regardless of socioeconomic status, gender, sexual orientation or ethnicity; and

Now, therefore, we urge all residents of Craig and Moffat County to work toward ending teen dating violence by empowering young people to develop healthier relationships, assisting victims in accessing the information and supportive services they need, and creating better and more resources for prevention policies in schools and engaging in discussions with family members and peers to promote awareness and prevention of the quiet epidemic of teen dating violence.

For more information or assistance, please call Advocates-Crisis Support Services at its office, 970-824-9709, or the 24-hour hotline, 970-824-2400.

Information also is available at www.loveisrespect.org or 866-331-9474.

Thank you for your support.

Advocates-Crisis Support Services

SAFE (Stopping Abuse ForEver)

Communities 4 Healthy Relationships