WHEREAS, the youth of Idaho 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 a responsibility that we all share; and

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

        WHEREAS, the 2007 Idaho Youth Risk Behavior Survey found 13 percent of Idaho students in dating relationships were hit, slapped or physically hurt by their boyfriend or girlfriend during the past year and 11 percent of high school girls were forced to have unwanted sex; and

        WHEREAS, nationwide surveys conducted in 2006 and 2007 examined teen dating relationships and experiences, and findings show that a high incidence of violence and abuse occurs among teens – including verbal, emotional, sexual and physical violence; and

        WHEREAS, specific findings from these surveys are: 1 in 3 female teens in a dating relationship reports having feared for her safety; 30 percent of teens in a dating relationship have been text-messaged 10, 20, or 30 times an hour by a partner finding out where they are, what they are doing, or who they are with; 1 in 5 teens in a serious relationship says that they have been hit, slapped, or pushed by a partner; and 1 in 4 girls in a relationship felt pressured to go further sexually than she wanted; and

        WHEREAS, teen dating violence is a reality for many teenagers and an issue of which many parents are unaware; and

        WHEREAS, violent relationships in adolescence can have serious ramifications for victims, who are at higher risk for substance abuse, eating disorders, risky sexual behavior, suicide and adult re-victimization; and

        WHEREAS, the Idaho Teen Dating Violence Awareness and Prevention Project provides free presentations at our schools and in our communities, and it is critical that we inform Idaho teens on the warning signs of an abusive relationship and where to find help; and

        WHEREAS, Teen Dating Violence Awareness and Prevention Week provides an excellent opportunity for citizens to learn more about preventing teen dating violence and to show support for the organizations and individuals who provide critical advocacy and services and assistance to victims;

        NOW, THEREFORE, I, C.L. “BUTCH” OTTER, Governor of the State of Idaho, do hereby proclaim February 2nd through 6th, 2009 to be

IDAHO TEEN DATING VIOLENCE AWARENESS AND PREVENTION WEEK

in Idaho.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and caused to be affixed the Great Seal of the State of Idaho at the Capitol in Boise on this 29th day of January in the year of our Lord two thousand and nine and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred thirty-third and of the Statehood of Idaho the one hundred nineteenth.

BEN YSURSA
SECRETARY OF STATE