WHEREAS, each year, an estimated 1 in 3 adolescents in the United States experiences physical, emotional, or verbal abuse from a partner, and many more experience controlling behaviors, digital harassment, or threats to their own safety; and
WHEREAS, an increasing amount of high school students report being physically hurt by a partner in the past year, and victims of teen dating violence face increased risk of academic failure, depression, and even self-harm; and
WHEREAS, college aged and transition aged youth experience unique relationship dynamics during critical periods of independence and identity development. Research indicates dating violence, sexual violence and stalking occur at disproportionately high rates among this population, negatively impacting mental health and overall well-being of these individuals; and
WHEREAS, parents, guardians, educators, and community leaders play a vital role in prevention by encouraging conversations about healthy relationships, boundaries, and consent. This can help ensure that young people know how and where to seek help when they or their peers are in danger; and
WHEREAS, each February, the recognition of Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month, along with community partnerships such as the work of the Marjaree Mason Center and kNOw MORE Peer Educators, provides an important opportunity to raise awareness and work to end the cycle before it begins.
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that we, Mayor Jerry P . Dyer and the Fresno City Councilmembers, do hereby proclaim February 2026, as:
“Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month”
in the City of Fresno.