The resolution introduced by Representatives Thompson, Alexander, Breen, Fitzgerald, Fox, Glanville, Paiz, Rigas, Rogers, and Young aims to declare February 2026 as National Teen Dating Violence Awareness and Prevention Month, with February 10, 2026, designated as National Teen Dating Violence and Prevention Day in Michigan. The resolution emphasizes the importance of raising awareness about the consequences of intimate partner violence and promoting the development of healthy, respectful, and nonviolent relationships among teens. It highlights alarming statistics from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) regarding the prevalence of teen dating violence, including physical, sexual, psychological aggression, and stalking, which disproportionately affect adolescents.
The resolution further outlines the potential long-term effects of teen dating violence, such as depression, anxiety, and increased risk of suicide, while also addressing the growing issue of technology-facilitated abuse among teens. It advocates for primary prevention programs that focus on education, community outreach, and culturally appropriate social marketing campaigns to combat this issue. By declaring this month and day, the resolution aims to foster a greater understanding of the importance of healthy relationship practices among youth, ultimately benefiting schools, communities, and families across diverse backgrounds.