Cranston Sen. Beatrice Lanzi was one of four recipients of a "Champion for Change" award on Friday for her work on the issue of teen dating violence as a member of the Rhode Island General Assembly.

Lanzi received her award at a State House ceremony that coincided with Governor Lincoln Chafee's proclaiming February "Rhode Island Teen Dating Violence Awareness and Prevention Month."

The awards were given by several local agencies including the Katie Brown Educational Program, the Lindsay Ann Burke Memorial Fund, Day One and the RI Coalition Against Domestic Violence.

"Teen dating violence has a devastating effect on families and communities throughout our state, and we must work together to ensure the safety and well being of our young people," Chafee said before reading his Gubernatorial Proclamation.

Deborah DeBare, executive director of the Rhode Island Coalition Against Domestic Violence, gave some troubling statistics: 11 percent of teenagers have been hit by their boyfriend or girlfriend. Seven percent have been forced into having unwanted sex.

It has taken decades of work from advocates across the country to get a national month declared for the issue of teen dating violence, DeBare said. That happened two years ago. This year marks the first year Rhode Island has issued its own proclamation.

"We're proud to have our governor send a strong message about the vital importance" of raising awareness and the prevention of teen dating violence, DeBare said.

Lanzi was recognized for her leadership on several statewide policies including spearheading the passage of the Lindsay Ann Burke Act, which requires all schools in Rhode Island to teach the subject of teen dating violence and develop dating violence prevention policies.

The act is in named after the 23-year-old from North Kingstown who was murdered when she was trying to break the cycle of violence in her relationship.

Lanzi said she is honored to receive the award and work with everyone involved in domestic violence awareness and prevention.

"It's quote troubling that the issue is so prevalent today," Lanzi said. "We passed the legislation to educate young people about warning signs. We want young people to know this kind of violence is not normal."

Lanzi said the classes and programs in schools have empowered many young people to speak up, take action and become involved in the issue.

"So it is heartwarming to see they have some impact, but of course, the fight needs to continue," Lanzi said.

Also recognized was U.S. Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse, who said he is old enough to remember his time in law enforcement when there were a "few lingering" officers who thought domestic violence was "a private issue" and "something to be worked out with family."

"Thankfully that is long gone," Whitehouse said.

Whitehouse's was lauded for introducing the SMART Prevention Act, which would include a "coordinated community focus on teen dating violence prevention within the Department of Justice," according to a release. Whitehouse said that it would be the first time teen dating violence "has a specific focus in violence prevention programs." and he has also supported the SAFE Teen bill to include teen dating violence in Department of Education programs.

Whitehouse also announced the Senate had just recently passed a re-authorization of the Violence Against Women Act, to applause.

"The dedication of Rhode Island dating and domestic abuse advocates and service providers is an inspiration," Whitehouse said. "I will continue to work with them to do what I can to prevent physical and emotional abuse among our young people and alleviate its harmful effects."

Also honored were Dawn Romans, a health teacher in the Warwick School District; and Tracey Jennerwein, adviser of the Chariho Theater Group, who "worked to engage and educate students at Chariho High School in challenging norms that support violence in dating relationships, through the annual production of a play."