[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 49 (Thursday, April 8, 2004)]
[Senate]
[Page S4013]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      CHILD ABUSE PREVENTION MONTH

  Mr. DOMENICI. Mr. President, I rise today in recognition of April as 
Child Abuse Prevention Month.
  Child abuse continues to be a significant problem in the United 
States. It was estimated that in 2001, 903,000 children were the 
victims of child abuse or neglect. Child abuse is a crime perpetrated 
on the innocent and the defenseless.
  In 2003, there were 17,345 substantiated child abuse or neglect cases 
in New Mexico. We must protect these children who cannot protect 
themselves. By acknowledging April as Child Abuse Prevention Month, we 
are increasing awareness in the hopes that no more children live in 
fear.
  Across this Nation, numerous individuals and organizations dedicate 
countless hours of selfless work in the fight against child abuse. Many 
of the organizations that work to end child abuse began at the local 
level. I would like to acknowledge one of these organizations from my 
home State in Las Cruces, NM. The child abuse awareness team consists 
of around 40 members who recognized a need in their community and 
resolved to make a change. This team of volunteers, law enforcement 
agents, school personnel and social service agency representatives, 
continually strives to protect the children in Dona Ana County.
  The child abuse awareness team educates the community about child 
abuse prevention and reporting child abuse and neglect, promotes 
enforcement of child abuse and neglect laws, and provides advocacy for 
child abuse victims. They believe the most effective child abuse 
prevention programs succeed when the entire community is involved. The 
child abuse awareness team has developed this support system within the 
community by creating partnerships among social service agencies, 
schools, religious and civic organizations, law enforcement agencies, 
and the business community.
  The child abuse awareness team is taking the right steps in 
preventing child abuse incidents. I would like to specifically 
recognize the founder of this community organization Jesus Frietze, a 
social worker who saw a need in his community and took action. It is 
noble actions, from individuals like Jesus, who make a difference not 
only in the local communities but in our States and our Nation.
  By taking this month to recognize the problem of child abuse, I hope 
we will all do our part to combat this epidemic.

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