[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 65 (Tuesday, May 4, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E737]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 NATIONAL CHILD ABUSE PREVENTION MONTH

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                               speech of

                          HON. LORETTA SANCHEZ

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, April 27, 2010

  Ms. LORETTA SANCHEZ of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in 
recognition of this past April as National Child Abuse Prevention Month 
where Americans across the country worked to raise awareness of child 
abuse prevention and services available to victims.
  Child abuse is a tragic, destructive, and a largely silent epidemic 
that affects millions of Americans--both children and adults.
  And it is never more tragic than when it is sexual in nature. 
Unfortunately one in six children in our country experience this in 
their lifetime.
  In fact, in my district, there was a young woman who was abused by a 
teacher she knew and respected over a decade ago. I am proud to say 
that she has not only recovered and is leading a happy life, but is 
also one of the officers in a group headquartered in Santa Ana called 
The Innocence Mission, which is working to help prevent abuse.
  The Innocence Mission is putting forward a message of empowerment, 
one that tells parents they CAN prevent child sexual abuse. A message 
that speaks directly to children and adult survivors and says to them--
they are not alone. Victims have the support of their communities, and 
have nothing to be ashamed of.
  Far too often we read stories of child abuse in the headlines. It is 
heartbreaking and preventable, and that is why we must work to raise 
awareness not only just in April but year round.

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