The Florida House of Representatives has introduced House Resolution HR 8051, which designates February 2025 as "Teen Dating Violence Awareness and Prevention Month" in the state. This resolution highlights the alarming prevalence of teen dating violence, which encompasses physical violence, sexual violence, psychological aggression, and stalking. It cites statistics from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the National Institute of Justice, indicating that a significant number of teens experience various forms of dating violence, including technology-facilitated abuse such as cyberstalking and doxing. The resolution emphasizes the vulnerability of teens to these forms of violence and the long-term consequences, including increased risks of suicide and the likelihood of experiencing violence in adulthood.
The resolution calls for increased awareness and education on the issue of teen dating violence, recognizing it as a preventable public health crisis. It advocates for primary prevention programs that focus on education, community outreach, and culturally appropriate social marketing campaigns. The resolution also references the Violence Against Women Act and the importance of skills-based assessment and intervention programs for both victims and perpetrators. By declaring February 2025 as a month dedicated to awareness and prevention, the Florida House aims to mobilize efforts to address and reduce the incidence of teen dating violence across the state.