[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 117 (Thursday, August 18, 1994)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: August 18, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
      INTRODUCTION OF NATIONAL INCEST AND SEXUAL ABUSE HEALING DAY

                                 ______


                          HON. SUSAN MOLINARI

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, August 18, 1994

  Ms. MOLINARI. Mr. Speaker, today I am introducing a resolution to 
designate October 1, 1994, as ``National Incest and Sexual Abuse 
Healing Day.''
  As the crime bill has dominated our attention this week, I think it 
is important to reflect on why it is so important that anti-crime 
legislation strongly address the problems of sexual abuse through such 
measures as strengthening evidentiary rules for the prosecution of 
child molesters and notifying communities when sexual predators are 
present.
  The statistics on child abuse and sexual abuse of children are grim. 
In 1992, 2.9 million child cases were reported to child protective 
service [CPS] agencies. This represents a 50-percent increase in 
reported child abuse cases between 1985 and 1992. But despite this 
increase in the reporting of cases, there remain thousands of children 
whose cries go unheard.
  In addition, it is estimated that nearly 1,300 child abuse and 
neglect-related fatalities in 1992 were confirmed by CPS agencies--an 
average of over three child deaths a day. Almost 84 percent of these 
children were under 5 years old at the time of their deaths.
  The futures of those who survive these crimes follow two paths. The 
fortunate ones may be able to overcome child abuse by speaking out, 
creating an open and honest dialog on the subject. Others, unable to 
come to terms with what has occurred, may face years of physical and 
emotional problems. Many will grow up to become the next generation of 
abusers, perpetuating a vicious cycle of violence.
  Mr. Speaker, I encourage all my colleagues to join me in bringing 
attention to these crimes and recognizing the brave survivors of incest 
and child abuse by commemorating October 1, 1994 as ``National Incest 
and Sexual Abuse Healing Day.'' And I hope we will join together to 
pass a crime bill that helps protect our children and prevent such 
crimes in the future.

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