A resolution from state Rep. Jamie Thompson that works to protect young people and raise awareness for teen dating violence was overwhelmingly approved on Wednesday by the Michigan House.

House Resolution 245 declares February as Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month in Michigan and commemorated Feb. 10 as Teen Dating Violence Awareness Day in the state. Teen dating violence includes multiple types of behavior, including physical violence, sexual violence, psychological aggression, and stalking. According to studies, almost half of teens – both girls and boys – experience at least one type of this violence, and one out of every seven teens reported experiencing at least two types.

Teens who have experienced this violence are more than twice as likely to consider suicide compared to their peers.

“This has tragic short and long-term impacts on young people, like depression, anxiety, substance abuse, anti-social behavior and more,” said Thompson, who serves as Vice Chair of the House Health Policy Committee and serves on the House Families and Veterans Committee. “Education, community outreach and awareness are key to addressing this problem and helping teens develop healthy relationships while making positive, informed choices for themselves and others. As adults, parents and elected leaders, we must work together for solutions that will benefit our kids, communities, schools and families. Identifying and bringing awareness to these issues are a needed step.”

When addressing colleagues in the House on her resolution, Thompson shared the story of her late daughter, who entered a relationship that eventually turned abusive and lost her life in 2021 at the age of 24 in an incident related to her abusive partner.

“It’s important to understand the signs of an unhealthy or abusive relationship, and for young people to know who they can talk to and that there is support there for them,” Thompson said. “Nearly 1.5 million teens each year face this reality, often in silence. We as parents, as educators, as legislators, can play a pivotal role in our communities, but we must be vigilant. We can break this cycle of trauma and give our kids the tools they need.”

Thompson was joined on the House floor by representatives from multiple Downriver and southeast Michigan organizations who provide support for kids and families, including Lynn Uveges and Johan Sutton from Soroptimist International of the Flat Rock Area, Laura Reiners of Growth Works, and Lisa Horvath of The Guidance Center.

PHOTO INFORMATION: State Rep. Jamie Thompson, of Brownstown, speaks on House Resolution 245 at the state Capitol on Wednesday, Feb. 18. HR 245 declares February as Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month in Michigan.