Congressional Candidate Donna Miller Highlights Teen Dating Violence During Awareness Month (Homewood, IL) – Congressional candidate Donna Miller drew attention to rising rates of partner violence among teenagers and adults during a news conference Monday held in observance of Teen Dating Violence Awareness and Prevention Month.
Speaking at the Anew Domestic Violence office in Homewood, Miller said February—often associated with Valentine’s Day—can be a particularly difficult time for survivors of abuse. She noted that while the holiday is traditionally linked to romance, it can also coincide with increased incidents of violence.
Miller said the news conference was intended to highlight teen dating violence, which affects an estimated 10 percent of adolescents ages 12 to 18. Teen dating violence can include stalking, harassment, and physical or sexual abuse.
“This is a serious and often overlooked issue affecting young people and adults alike,” Miller said, emphasizing the need for education, prevention and resources for survivors.
Advocates say the week surrounding the Super Bowl and Valentine’s Day can be especially triggering for survivors of violence against women. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about 41 percent of women and 26 percent of men in the United States have experienced contact sexual violence, physical violence or stalking by an intimate partner during their lifetime.
Nationally, intimate partner violence affects more than 12 million people each year. In Illinois, domestic violence-related homicides have continued to rise even as overall gun violence has declined. The Illinois Coalition Against Domestic Violence reported a 110 percent increase in domestic-related deaths in 2023.
Chicago data reflect similar concerns. The city’s Violence Reduction Dashboard shows fatal domestic shootings increased by more than 61 percent, while domestic homicides rose more than 22 percent as of September 2025.
Kristine Scott, CEO of Anew Domestic Violence, said awareness and education are critical to breaking the cycle of abuse, particularly among young people.
“As we observe Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month, we must keep our focus on ending the cycle of violence,” Scott said. “Together we can stop the cycle of violence with education and awareness and continued funding.”
Miller also pointed to the scope of the issue within Illinois’ 2nd Congressional District, noting that three of the top 10 communities with the highest rates of domestic violence are located within the district. She said the data underscore the need for stronger prevention efforts and expanded support services for survivors.
Congressional Candidate Donna Miller Highlights Teen Dating Violence During Awareness Month
