[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 68 (Tuesday, May 5, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1063]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   SUPPORTING THE OBSERVANCE OF NATIONAL CHILD ABUSE PREVENTION MONTH

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                               speech of

                          HON. BETTY McCOLLUM

                              of minnesota

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, April 27, 2009

  Ms. McCOLLUM. Madam Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H. 
Res. 337, a resolution to recognize April as National Child Abuse 
Prevention Month.
  Every year, thousands of children across the country become victims 
of child abuse. More than 5.8 million children in the United States 
were reported to be abused or neglected in 2007, and many more cases go 
unreported.
  All children deserve to be raised in a safe and nurturing 
environment. It is a tragedy when children are victimized by abuse, 
neglect, alcohol and drug abuse, or domestic violence. As a former 
board member of Minnesota Crisis Nurseries, I fully recognize the 
importance of strengthening child abuse prevention programs in 
Minnesota and throughout the United States. Early prevention approaches 
that utilize family support networks are critical to stopping child 
abuse before it starts.
  H. Res. 337 calls for increased public awareness of the maltreatment 
of children. This resolution also recognizes the many national and 
community organizations that promote awareness of child abuse and share 
strategies for prevention. It further urges families and individuals to 
report abuse or to get help by calling the National Child Abuse Hotline 
at 1-800-4-A-Child.
  I will continue working to strengthen child abuse prevention programs 
in Minnesota and throughout the United States. Keeping children and 
families safe must be a priority if we are to ensure the well being of 
our Nation's future--its children.
  I urge my colleagues to join me in voting for this bill.

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