February marks national teen dating violence awareness and prevention month. Students from three area high schools came together in Stamford to address the issue.

“In Connecticut, 8 percent of teens surveyed were in a physically violent dating relationship last year.  Seventeen percent of teens surveyed were in an emotionally abusive dating relationship,” said Meredith Clark, a student at Greenwich High School. 

“To let people know to our commitment to justice for those who have suffered or continue to suffer through human indignity of dating violence,” said Anthony Kresmary, a student at Stamford High School. 

“One of our motto’s is, ‘February is teen dating violence prevention month’, so you’ll probably help someone our age.  It’s the other 11 months of the year we’re concerned about,” said Rebecca Porter, a student at Brien McMahon High School in Norwalk. 

The teen activists are part of groups from each town; making over 300 students combined who hope to put an end to dating violence.

“Speak up about dating violence..”

Students called upon City and town leaders and officials to help the movement.

“We’re here to help.  We’re here to educate.  We’re also here to take action and we’re also here to teach respect and we’re doing that together,” said Norwalk Mayor Richard Moccia. 

Stamford’s Public Safety Director spoke about agencies in the City that help teens.

“But the thing I am most encouraged by is the work of the student groups.  Their dedication to this issue from the unique and eye-catching activities in school and around town to their policy work in Hartford and locally.  It gives us all great hope and inspiration for the future,” said Ted Jankowski, Director of Public Safety in Stamford. 

The Mayor’s Youth Leadership Council in Stamford will continue to conduct public awareness activities throughout the month.