February 01, 2026
WHEREAS, dating violence perpetrators intentionally use patterns of physical, emotional, sexual, psychological, and economic coercion to control their intimate partners, violating their 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’s 2019 Youth Risk Behavior Survey, among high school students in the U.S., about one in 12 experienced physical and sexual dating violence; and,
WHEREAS, it is estimated that 8.5 million women in the U.S. (7% ) and over 4 million men (4%) reported experiencing physical violence, rape, or stalking from an intimate partner in their lifetime and indicated they first experienced these or other forms of violence by that partner before the age of 18; and,
WHEREAS, students who identified as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, or queer (LGBTQ) or those who were unsure of their gender identity experienced higher rates of physical and sexual dating violence compared to students who identified as heterosexual; and,
WHEREAS, only 33% of teenagers who were in an abusive relationship told anyone about the abuse; and,
WHEREAS, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services Division of Victim Services and the 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, 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 2026 as Teen Dating Violence Awareness and Prevention Month in Michigan.
