Commissioner Joseph Presents Teen Dating Violence Awareness Proclamation
- 5 February 2025
- Category: SJC News District 4
- Tags: 2025
During the Feb. 4, 2025 St. Johns County Board of County Commissioner Regular Meeting, Chair Krista Joseph, District 4, presented a special proclamation recognizing Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month. Commissioner Joseph called St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office Lt. George Harrigan and victim Madison Schemitz to the front of the auditorium to receive the proclamation. Schemitz supports the One Love Foundation, a national non-profit organization with the goal of ending relationship abuse. They empower young people with the tools and resources they need to see the signs of healthy and unhealthy relationships and bring life-saving prevention education to their communities.
The proclamation read:
A Proclamation
by the
Board of County Commissioners
St. Johns County, Florida
WHEREAS, St. Johns County Board of Commissioners are committed to a future where young people are free from dating violence, abuse, fear; and
WHEREAS, we recognize that approximately 1.5 million high school students fall victim to abuse from a partner each year in the United States, young women between the ages of 16 and 24 experience relationship violence at nearly 3 times the national average; and
WHEREAS, concerning statistics indicate victims of teen dating violence are more likely to experience depression, anxiety, suicidal tendencies; are more likely to engage in unhealthy behaviors; and
WHEREAS, we resolve that giving a voice to survivors of teen dating violence to promote education and awareness is a critical component to protecting our young people; and
WHEREAS, Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month is an opportunity to increase awareness, promote healthy relationship behaviors, and encourage the community to join together in an effort to end teen dating violence.
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT PROCLAIMED, by the Board of County Commissioners of St. Johns County, Florida, that the month of February 2025, be known as
TEEN DATING VIOLENCE AWARENESS MONTH
With respect for and in recognition of the victims, survivors, and their families.
PASSED AND ADOPTED by the Board of County Commissioners of St. Johns County, Florida this 4th day of February 2025.