WHEREAS, all Alaskans have the right to healthy and safe relationships, and it is of utmost importance that adequate education about healthy relationships be available to Alaska’s youth, as well as safe shelter for those who are experiencing abuse; and

WHEREAS, dating violence is a pattern of behavior involving the use or threat of physical, sexual, verbal emotional, and/or other abusive behavior to harm, harass, or control another person with whom they have or had an intimate relationship; and

WHEREAS, dating violence can result in long-lasting pain, increased risk of substance abuse, depression and suicide, poor academic performance, engaging in risk or unhealthy behaviors, and further risk of future abuse from a partner in adulthood; and

WHEREAS, nationally in the year 2022, approximately 1 in 12 high school students reported experiencing physical or sexual dating violence; and

WHEREAS, the prevalence of sexual and intimate partner violence is a major public health concern in Alaska, therefore it is vital that as a state, we are providing young Alaskans the tools and education necessary to acknowledge, prevent, and avoid abuse in relationships.

NOW THEREFORE, I, Mike Dunleavy, GOVERNOR OF THE STATE OF ALASKA, do hereby proclaim February 2023 as:

Teen Dating Violence Awareness and Prevention Month

in Alaska, and encourage all Alaskans to take a proactive role in ending dating violence by seeking out education on healthy relationships and fostering safe and healthy environments for all individuals in every community.