[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 51 (Monday, March 31, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E619]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    RECOGNIZING THE SOCIAL PROBLEM OF CHILD ABUSE AND NEGLECT, AND 
     SUPPORTING EFFORTS TO ENHANCE PUBLIC AWARENESS OF THE PROBLEM

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                               speech of

                             HON. DAVE CAMP

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, March 26, 2003

  Mr. CAMP. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H.R. 113, 
the Child Abuse and Neglect Bill of 2003. This bill will support 
efforts to enhance public awareness of child abuse and neglect.
  In the state of Michigan, where I am proud to represent the 4th 
District, the number of child abuse and neglect related fatalities have 
been steadily increasing since 1998. Again, in my state, there are 2.4 
identified victims of child abuse per 1,000 Michigan residents. I 
emphasize, that statistic encapsulates identified victims only. I 
implore my fellow members of the House to think of the number of 
unreported cases. This sad fact proves that the American public is not 
fully aware of the problem presented by child neglect and abuse. Thus, 
a challenge lies before us. This is a challenge of committing every 
possible effort towards the elimination of child neglect and abuse.
  Behind every number is a person, a child. Some of these children die 
because of child neglect and abuse. Some of them simply never 
experience the love of a parent. Either situation is abominable and the 
American people need to be made aware of it.
  The mission of this bill is to break the cycle of violence, 
especially with emphasis on the important first step of awareness. This 
bill intends to achieve a maximum awareness of child abuse and neglect.
  Mr. Speaker, this is a worthy bill and an important step in the right 
direction. As a long time advocate for the oppressed children of our 
nation, I urge support for this bill. I yield back the balance of my 
time.

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