Governor Gretchen Whitmer is a lifelong Michigander. She is a lawyer, an educator, former prosecutor, State Representative and Senator. She was the first woman to lead a Senate caucus. But the most important title she boasts is MOM. Inspired by her family, she’s devoted her life to building a stronger Michigan for everyone.
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February 01, 2024
WHEREAS, dating violence perpetrators intentionally use patterns of physical, emotional, sexual, and psychological abuse, and/or economic resources to control their intimate partners, violating their intimate partners’ dignity, security, and psychological and physical well-being; and,
WHEREAS, dating violence perpetrators cause significant and long-lasting trauma to countless individuals and children of every religion, ethnicity, race, sexual orientation, gender identity, economic and social status; and,
WHEREAS, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, nearly one in 11 female and about one in 15 male high school students reported experiencing physical dating violence in the last year; and,
WHEREAS, about one in nine female and one in 36 male high school students reported experiencing sexual abuse in a dating relationship in the last year; and,
WHEREAS, only 33% of teenagers who were in an abusive relationship told anyone about the abuse; and,
WHEREAS, 26% of women and 15% of men who were victims of sexual violence, physical violence, and/or stalking by an intimate partner in their lifetime first experienced these or other forms of violence by that partner before age 18; and,
WHEREAS, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services Division of Victim Services and the entire state of Michigan are committed to holding dating violence perpetrators accountable and supporting interventions to reduce the risk and harm to their victims, including children; and,
WHEREAS, all Michigan residents are encouraged to seek education about this issue, empower young people to develop healthy relationships, assist victims in accessing the information and supportive services they need, create better and more resources for young people, institute effective intervention and prevention policies in schools, and engage in discussions with family members and peers to promote awareness and prevention of teen dating violence;
NOW, THEREFORE, I, Gretchen Whitmer, governor of Michigan, do hereby proclaim February 2024 as Teen Dating Violence Awareness and Prevention Month in Michigan.