New York State Executive Chamber | Governor Eliot Spitzer

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Proclamation

Whereas, the youth of New York are this state's most precious resource and greatest hope for the future, and ensuring their safety, well-being, positive development and growth into healthy citizens is a priority and responsibility we all share; and

Whereas, the transitional adolescent years present new challenges and choices for teens as they experience dating relationships for the first time and, unfortunately, associated pressures and expectations that can lead to violent behavior; and

Whereas, the crime of teen dating violence, including physical, verbal, emotional and sexual assault - and harassment via texting, email or "instant messaging" - is a reality for many teenagers in New York and other states and, like drug abuse, it's a reality of which many parents are unaware; and

Whereas, nationwide surveys conducted in 2006 and 2007 examined teen dating relationships and experiences, and specific findings from these surveys include the following: 30% of teens in a dating relationship have been text-messaged 10-30 times an hour by a partner to find out where they are, what they are doing or who they are with; the report's findings also indicate that nearly 1 in 5 teens has been slapped, hit or pushed by his or her partner; and

Whereas, studies also show that long-term effects of violent relationships can be serious and put victims at higher risk for substance abuse, eating disorders, risky sexual behavior, suicide and adult re-victimization; and

Whereas, New York has long recognized the significance of addressing teen dating violence by developing public awareness campaigns addressing teens, friends and family, and recently state government agencies have partnered to produce a teen dating violence poster in six languages distributed to every middle school, high school, library and other places frequented by teens in the State; and

Whereas, New York is focusing on domestic violence prevention by promulgating a statewide, multi-media, year-long campaign, "Coaching Boys Into Men," which encourages parents and mentors to teach and model respect for women; and

Whereas, both Houses of Congress have declared the first week of February as "National Teen Dating Violence Awareness and Prevention Week," and New York State joins in this observance by encouraging statewide youth, families, schools, law enforcement communities, government agencies, elected officials, civic organizations and other interested groups to sponsor and participate in related programs and activities;

Now, Therefore, I, Eliot Spitzer, Governor of the State of New York, and I, David A. Paterson, Lieutenant Governor of the State of New York, do hereby recognize February 4-8, 2008 as Teen Dating Violence Awareness and Prevention Week in the Empire State.

Eliot Spitzer, Governor

David A Paterson, Lieutenant Governor