[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 56 (Thursday, April 22, 1999)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E739]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      CHILD ABUSE PREVENTION MONTH

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                       HON. STEVEN T. KUYKENDALL

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, April 22, 1999

  Mr. KUYKENDALL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to speak in support of 
Child Abuse Prevention Month. There is nothing more important than the 
safety and protection of our children. To highlight the seriousness of 
this issue, the month of April was declared Child Abuse Prevention 
Month by President Reagan in 1982.
  In 1997, nearly one million children were victims of either neglect, 
physical, emotional or sexual abuse. In many cases, the children 
experienced all of these abuses. What is even more shocking is that in 
1996, a little more than three children died each day as a result of 
child abuse or neglect. These numbers are startling and in my opinion 
are unacceptable. Our children deserve to grow up in an atmosphere that 
is not filled with fear and violence.
  The good news is that child abuse is preventable. Through the proper 
assistance we can put an end to this monstrous action. Children 
represent the most vulnerable and precious part of our society and we 
must do what we can to protect them.
  I urge all of my colleagues to join me in acknowledging the 
seriousness of this issue and supporting actions to prevent this 
problem from getting bigger.

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