Proclamations are pouring in for DeKalb Solicitor-General Sherry Boston and her office’s Special Victims Unit for their efforts to bring attention to and to serve victims of domestic violence, particularly victims of teen dating violence.

Since Feb. 9, DeKalb CEO Burrell Ellis, the DeKalb Board of Commissioners and DeKalb mayors and city councils including the Clarkston, Dunwoody , Lithonia and Stone Mountain City Councils, and the Decatur City Commission,have recognized Boston in honor of February which is observed as National Teen Dating Violence Prevention & Awareness Month.

Studies show that females ages 16-24 are most likely to be abused in a dating relationship, and that one in three young people will report experiencing some form of dating abuse in their lifetime.

Abusive relationships affect adolescent development and teens who experience dating violence may suffer long-term negative behavioral and health consequences.

Boston said she is seeing an increasing number of teens who are victims of assault and who have been harassed in social media.  

“It is so important for parents, faith and community leaders, and school officials to work together to teach our young people lessons of respect and equality in relationships,” Boston said. “I urge anyone who thinks they may be in danger from teen dating violence to call 9-1-1 or seek assistance from any number of advocacy organizations and visit websites such as www.loveisrespect.org to create a safety plan and obtain resources.”