February is National Teen Dating Violence Awareness and Prevention Month and Monday, Brownwood Mayor Stephen Haynes presented the Ark Domestic Violence Shelter with a proclamation declaring such and urging the public to help educate teens to have more healthy and positive dating relationships.

Tuesday, February 11, has been set as a day to raise awareness for this cause with many people wearing orange in support of healthy teen dating relationships.  The City of Brownwood had planned to present the Ark with the proclamation at the regularly scheduled city council meeting; however, due to a lack of agenda items, the meeting was cancelled.  Mayor Haynes presented the proclamation on Monday afternoon because of Tuesday’s significance.

The proclamation points out several important facts:

• Respectful, supportive and non-violent relationships are a key to safety, health, and academic success.
• Teen dating abuse is a significant health issue where victimization increases teens’ risk for injury, substance abuse, eating disorders, unwanted pregnancies, and suicide.
• Parents, teachers, coaches and other important people in teens’ lives have the power to influence youth in positive ways and help promote healthy dating relationships.

National statistics are quite alarming stating that one in three teens will experience some form of dating abuse and that three in four parents have never talked to their children about domestic violence.

Because of the epidemic problem of domestic violence whether physical, mental or emotional, an effort has been made to recognize that many boys and girls become victims as teens.

Ark staff members Client Advocate Alicia Robles and Volunteer and Program Director Mary Silver were present to accept the proclamation.

“We want teens to know they are right to be who they want to be and not what someone else wants them to be,” said Silver.  “We all try to please our significant other.  We don’t realize that even little things like constant texts checking to see where you are can be abusive.”

Robles agreed and explained how violence can begin with what appears to be affectionate behavior can be the beginning of dating violence.

“We are trying to make them (teens) aware of the little flags that can be initially cute, but hurtful later on when it escalates,” said Robles.  “This is for male and female alike.”

Pictured above is Mayor Haynes presenting the proclamation to Ark representatives Mary Silver (center) and Alicia Robles (right).