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once; Whereas, targets of digital abuse are almost 3 times as likely to contemplate suicide as those who have not encountered such abuse (8 percent vs. 3 percent), and targets of digital abuse are nearly 3 times more likely to have considered dropping out of school; Whereas, the severity of violence among intimate partners has been shown to be greater in cases where the pattern of violence has been established in adolescence; Whereas, primary prevention programs are a key part of addressing teen dating violence and many successful community examples include education, community outreach, and social marketing campaigns that also understand the cultural appropriateness of programs; Whereas, skilled assessment and intervention programs are also necessary for youth victims and abusers; and Whereas, the establishment of National Teen Dating Violence Awareness and Prevention Month will benefit schools, communities, and families regardless of socioeconomic status, race, or sex: Now, Therefore, Be It Resolved, that the Township Council of the Township of West Orange Joins the United States Senate in designating the month of February 2010, as “ National Teen Dating Violence Awareness and Prevention Month” , supports communities to empower teens to develop healthier relationships and calls upon the people of the United States, including youth and parents, schools, law enforcement, State and Local officials, and interested groups to observe National Teen Dating Violence Awareness and Prevention Month with appropriate programs and activities that promote awareness and prevention of the crime of teen dating violence in their communities. Karen J. Carnevale Honorable Susan McCartney Township Clerk Council President Adopted: February 9, 2010 PDFtext