[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 51 (Friday, April 8, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E677]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   RECOGNIZING THE WORK OF MS. SHARI B. KAPLAN FOR HER EXTRAORDINARY 
           EFFORTS IN ABUSE TREATMENT FOR CHILDREN AND ADULTS

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. ALCEE L. HASTINGS-

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, April 8, 2011

  Mr. HASTINGS of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Ms. 
Shari B. Kaplan for her extraordinary efforts in abuse treatment for 
children and adults. She has worked tirelessly through her ``Can't Tell 
Foundation'' to give hope to victims of domestic and sexual abuse and 
children who are plagued by bullying. Her foundation has been a pioneer 
in treatment for victims and relies on several methods to allow victims 
to cope. Such practices include self-defense, music and movement, Qi 
Gong and yoga, nutrition, mentoring, improvisational work, meditation, 
individual therapy, family therapy, group therapy and support.
  Ms. Kaplan herself was a victim of bullying and has experienced the 
personal pain of abuse with her closest family. She was in a horrific 
bike crash when she was young that left her with physical injuries that 
ultimately lead to bullying when she was in school. Additionally, her 
children were victims of abuse at the hands of her nanny's 13-year-old 
son. Using the wisdom she gained from her own pain and experience in 
helping her children cope, she went on to help others deal with their 
pain and create prevention policies against abuse in all its forms. Her 
more recent goal is to raise 6.5 million dollars to help build a 
treatment facility in Boca Raton, Florida.
  Abuse and bullying has become an epidemic in this country. Suicide is 
the second major cause of death in teens and young adults ages 13-24. 
In addition, government statistics show that 32 percent of 12- to 18-
year-olds say they have been bullied.
  Mr. Speaker, I am proud to recognize and stand with a woman who has 
decided to stand up against abuse and bullying. Ms. Shari B. Kaplan has 
truly dedicated herself to this important cause and I wish to give her 
my full support.

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