NEWS

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

February 2010

PROCLAMATION

"DATING VIOLENCE AWARENESS & PREVENTION MONTH"

Dating violence is a reality for many youth, and an issue that many are unaware of. One in three young people are affected by physical, sexual and verbal dating violence, with one in five in a serious relationship reporting having been slapped, pushed, hit threatened or coerced by a partner, and breakups can be a time of even greater risk even when a relationship was never physically abusive. Young people can choose better relationships when they understand that healthy relationships are based on respect and learn to identify early warning signs of an abusive relationship. Elimination of dating violence must be achieved through cooperation of individuals, organizations, and communities. Dating Violence Awareness & Prevention Month provides an excellent opportunity for citizens to learn more about preventing dating violence and to show support for the numerous organizations and individuals who provide critical advocacy, services and assistance to victims.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT I, Joseph T. McElveen, Jr., Mayor of the City of Sumter, do hereby proclaim the month of February 2010 as

                      "DATING VIOLENCE AWARENESS & PREVENTION MONTH"

      in the 

     CITY OF SUMTER

and hereby invite all citizens of this community to join me in this effort to help increase awareness, understanding, and prevention of dating violence.

                                                                                 Joseph T. McElveen, Jr., Mayor