WHEREAS, all Alaskans have the right to healthy and safe relationships, free of abuse; and it is of utmost importance that adequate education about healthy relationships be available to our youth, as well as safe shelter and assistance 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 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, suicide, poor academic performance, engaging in risky or unhealthy behaviors, and further risk of future abuse from a partner in adulthood; and

WHEREAS, according to the 2023 Youth Risk Behavior Survey, among students who dated or went out with someone, 15 percent of female high school students and five percent of male high school students in Alaska reported experiencing sexual dating violence one or more times in the past 12 months; and

WHEREAS, the prevalence of sexual and intimate partner violence is a major public health concern in Alaska, and it is vital that we provide young Alaskans with 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 2025 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.

Dated: February 1, 2025