Title
To declare February 2021 as Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month in the City of Columbus and thank Bumblebeez and other organizations for their services supporting the victims of domestic violence
Body
WHEREAS, Each year, approximately 1.5 million students experience physical abuse from a dating partner; moreover 3 in 4 parents have never talked to their children about domestic violence - 1 in 3 young people in the U.S. are affected by dating violence, 1 in 5 have been slapped, pushed, hit, threatened, or coerced by a partner; as a result February has been designated as a month for advocates to join together in efforts to raise awareness regarding dating violence, highlighting promising practices, and encouraging communities to become more involved; and
WHEREAS, Abuse occurs in all types of relationships and among people of all backgrounds, ages, races, religion, financial status, sexual orientation and education - Teen dating abuse is any act that causes harm or threatens the risk of harm to a teen by an individual who is in a current or former dating relationship with that teen and may be physical, sexual, financial, verbal or emotional in nature; this includes behavior that threatens, intimidates, harasses, controls, isolates or monitors another person - and while abuse often occurs as a pattern of controlling behavior, a single episode of abuse is a cause for concern; and
WHEREAS, Columbus City Council and the City of Columbus supports policies and programs that address the prevention, intervention, and elimination of bullying, as well as self-harming behaviors, suicide, maltreatment, and domestic violence; in this spirit, the city established The Commission on Black Girls COBG in July of 2018 to study and assess the quality of life of Black Girls in Columbus and Central Ohio - Recommendation 2.2 from the COBG report issued in July of 2020 expressed the need to, “provide resources that address bullying, self-harming behaviors, suicide, child maltreatment, and prevention services,” to support the primary health and mental and emotional well-being of girls; and
WHEREAS, the City is recognizing the work of Ms. Jamila Collins and Bumblebeez a non-profit mentoring program for African American girls ages 10-13 years of age; founded in 2014; the Bumblebeez mentoring program provides culturally sensitive and relevant workshops, themed activities, participation in interactive outings; with content that is designed to innovatively address and provide resources and information to combat the many social and emotional issues girls face - the subject matter includes but is not limited to: self-image, bullying, eating disorders, social justice, advocacy, citizenship, leadership, teen pregnancy, drug and alcohol abuse, and teen dating violence awareness; the program also uses practical life skills heavily supported and rooted in Biblical principles -ultimately empowering girls to find ways to use their voices; and
WHEREAS, Bumblebeez initiatives cover ten tenets; one of the tenants includes emphasis on positive self-image and self-awareness - during this particular workshop, young ladies are taught how to develop and maintain healthy boundaries when dating, what to do if they find themselves in an abusive relationship, and how to access community resources - Bumblebeez participants are also provided with a safe conversational and exploratory atmosphere with the support of a program mentor; this helps eliminate any scrutiny and judgement when sharing; and
WHEREAS, Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month provides an opportunity for residents to learn about preventing dating violence, and shows support for the numerous organizations and individuals that provide critical advocacy, services, and assistance to victims, now therefore;
BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COLUMBUS:
That this Council does hereby declare February 2021 as Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month in the City of Columbus and thank Bumblebeez and other organizations for their services supporting the victims of domestic violence.- moreover, this Council reaffirms the city’s commitment to empowering young people to develop healthy relationships and engage in activities that prevent teen dating violence.