In the United States, the National Conference of State Legislators (NCSL) states that " policymakers can play a role in preventing teen dating violence". and lists those states that currently have laws requiring school boards to develop and adopt programs to address this issue. Further, according to NCSL "n 2011 at least eight states have introduced legislation to address teen dating violence". On January 31, 2011, President Obama proclaimed February 2011 to be "National Teen Dating Violence Awareness and Prevention Month". In 2006 the U.S. first recognized "National Teen Dating Violence Awareness and Prevention Week", sponsored by Senator Mike Crapo, to "increase public awareness and education of the prevalence of teen dating violence among our nation's teens". The first week in February was so recognized through 2009. Beginning in 2010, Senator Crapo joined the Department of Justice in recognizing February as Teen Dating Violence Awareness and Prevention Month.