Expressing support for designation of the month of February 2025 as "National Teen Dating Violence Awareness and Prevention Month".
- Bill Number
- H.Res. 128
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 1
- Policy Area
- Crime and Law Enforcement
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2025-02-12: Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.
- Last Updated
- 2026-04-01T19:44:07Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
This House Resolution (H. Res. 128) expresses congressional support for designating February 2025 as "National Teen Dating Violence Awareness and Prevention Month." It aims to raise awareness about teen dating violence as a preventable public health issue and encourage efforts to promote healthy relationships among youth.
Key Provisions
The resolution includes extensive background ("Whereas" clauses) highlighting statistics and factors related to teen dating violence, followed by a core "Resolved" section with four main directives:
- Supports the designation of February 2025 as National Teen Dating Violence Awareness and Prevention Month.
- Encourages communities to empower teens in developing healthy, respectful, and nonviolent relationships for life.
- Recognizes the impacts of teen dating violence on public health, noting its disproportionate effects on young women.
- Calls for nationwide observation, urging youth, parents, schools, law enforcement, state and local officials, nonprofits, and other groups to participate in programs and activities that increase awareness and prevent teen dating violence.
Background details cover:
- Definitions of teen dating violence (physical, sexual, psychological, and stalking behaviors).
- Rising issues like technology-facilitated abuse (e.g., cyber extortion, cyberstalking, doxing).
- Prevalence statistics from sources like the CDC and Youth Risk Behavior Survey (e.g., 44.3% of teens experience at least one type of violence; 1 in 9 female high school students report sexual dating violence).
- Long-term risks (e.g., links to suicide, adult victimization, and community factors like poverty or lack of support).
- Importance of prevention through education, programs like "Coaching Boys Into Men," and references to existing laws like the Violence Against Women Act.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
This is a non-binding resolution, so it introduces no changes to existing laws. It references and builds on prior legislation, such as the Violence Against Women Act (as amended), but does not amend or create new legal requirements.
Potential Impacts
- On citizens and communities: Could increase public awareness, leading to more education and prevention programs in schools and families, potentially reducing teen dating violence and its long-term effects like suicide risk or adult abuse.
- On government agencies: Encourages federal, state, and local officials (e.g., law enforcement) to support awareness activities, possibly improving coordination of resources without mandating new funding or actions.
- On international relations: No direct impact, as it focuses on domestic public health.
Overall, the resolution promotes voluntary community efforts, benefiting diverse groups regardless of socioeconomic status, race, or gender.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Teens and youth: Primary focus as victims and potential perpetrators, with emphasis on vulnerability and prevention.
- Parents and families: Encouraged to educate and support healthy relationship development.
- Schools and educators: Key for implementing awareness programs, especially in middle and high schools.
- Law enforcement and officials: Called upon for community involvement in prevention and response.
- Nonprofits and community organizations: Highlighted for outreach, social marketing, and evidence-based programs.
- Health agencies (e.g., CDC): Referenced for data and guidance, potentially amplifying their role in public health initiatives.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal: No enforceable obligations; it serves as a symbolic statement without creating rights, duties, or penalties.
- Constitutional: Aligns with Congress's power to express support for public health issues under the First Amendment (free speech) and general welfare clause, raising no constitutional concerns.
- Political: Demonstrates bipartisan congressional attention (introduced by representatives from both parties) to a public health crisis, potentially influencing future funding or legislation on violence prevention. It underscores the role of education in addressing social issues without partisan bias.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Cosponsors (2)
Rep. Dingell, Debbie [D-MI-6], Rep. Fitzpatrick, Brian K. [R-PA-1]
Recent Actions
- 2025-02-12: Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.
- 2025-02-12: Submitted in House
Bill Versions
- Expressing support for designation of the month of February 2025 as "National Teen Dating Violence Awareness and Prevention Month". — issued 2025-02-12 — PDF (5 pages)