Since 2006, Congress has passed resolutions designating the first week in February as the “National Teen Dating Violence Awareness and Prevention Week.” In recognition of the growing problem of teen dating violence and abuse, and increased attention around the issue, Senator Mike Crapo (R-ID) recently reintroduced the teen dating violence resolution to highlight the ENTIRE MONTH OF FEBRUARY as “Teen Dating Violence Awareness and Prevention Month.” The resolution was co-sponsored by Senators John Barrasso (R-WY), Thad Cochran (R-MS), James Inhofe (R-OK), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Joseph Lieberman (I-CT), James Risch (R-ID), David Vitter (R-LA) and Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI).  The resolution calls on parents, schools, youth and other community members to promote awareness of and education on teen dating violence and abuse during February, and the entire year.

Vice President Joe Biden, author of the landmark 1994 Violence Against Women Act on Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month:

"After fifteen years of working to end domestic violence, we have learned that teens are not immune from abuse in relationships.  Teen dating violence is all too common, and ends up leading to vicious and unhealthy cycles for years to come. Our responsibility - as parents, teachers, mentors, and community leaders – is to guide our young people towards respectful relationships free from harassment and abuse teach them that it’s ok to walk away from a bad situation and encourage them to speak out when they see a friend in trouble. In many communities, teens themselves are leading the way in organizing their schools and communities to stand against violence. I commend them.”