FL H8051

Recognizes February 2025 as "Teen Dating Violence Awareness and Prevention Month" in Florida to increase awareness and education concerning teen dating violence

Teen dating violence includes four types of behavior: physical violence, sexual violence, psychological aggression, and stalking, with technology-facilitated abuse (cyber extortion, cyberstalking, doxing) being a growing concern

Data shows 44.3 percent of teens experienced at least one type of violence, 28.1 percent of teens in romantic relationships experienced digital dating abuse, and teens who experienced dating violence are more than twice as likely to consider suicide

Primary prevention programs including education, community outreach, and teaching adolescent men about healthy relationships have demonstrated effectiveness in preventing teen dating violence

References the federal Violence Against Women Act and SMART Teen Dating Violence Awareness and Prevention Act as frameworks for coordinating and improving programs addressing abusive youth relationships