[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 158 (2012), Part 4]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 4804]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




       RECOGNIZING APRIL AS NATIONAL CHILD ABUSE PREVENTION MONTH

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. LAURA RICHARDSON

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, April 16, 2012

  Ms. RICHARDSON. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to recognize April as 
National Child Abuse Prevention Month. This month is dedicated to 
raising awareness about the prevalence of child abuse and neglect as 
well as spreading knowledge on how to recognize and prevent its 
occurrence.
  Every child has the right to live in a safe and healthy home. 
Together, we can ensure that right by providing support for parents, 
recognizing the signs of abuse, and educating community members about 
the issue.
  Mr. Speaker, child abuse is defined as an act or failure to act which 
presents imminent risk of serious harm. It includes physical, 
emotional, and sexual abuse as well as neglect. Child abuse occurs in 
every community and every district. It is reported at all socioeconomic 
and education levels and across cultural, ethnic, and religious lines. 
In 2010, there were 3.3 million referrals to Child Protective Services, 
involving 5.9 million children. In Los Angeles County alone, there were 
over 170,000 reported cases of child abuse or neglect in 2010. With 
over half of those referrals being made by mandatory reporters, those 
professionals required by law to report signs of maltreatment, I 
applaud our school officials and social service providers who are 
defending children's wellbeing.
  It is vital that we are all equally prepared to speak out for victims 
who are unable to seek help for themselves. The youngest children, in 
particular, are most vulnerable to abuse with almost 32 percent of 
reported victims under the age of four years.
  The effects of abuse and neglect can last a lifetime and include 
physical injuries, mental health conditions such as post-traumatic 
stress disorder, increased risk for violent behavior, and lower levels 
of economic well-being. Such long-term effects hinder the ability to 
form healthy and positive relationships as adults. Abuse can truly 
become a cycle, harming generation after generation if nothing is done 
to intervene.
  Mr. Speaker, I would like to take a moment to recognize the 
extraordinary work of the Miller Children's Hospital in the 37th 
District and its commitment to promoting positive parenting. The 
hospital offers training for medical professionals to recognize more 
subtle signs of abuse as well as early learning opportunities for 
children and their families to develop healthy family relationships.
  Efforts aimed at prevention and early detection are critical in 
helping our Nation's children grow up with the confidence and skills 
necessary to achieve the American Dream. These efforts can include 
programs in parent education and substance abuse treatment. Through 
these investments, we can target those specific circumstances and 
stresses that often lead to an increased likelihood of abuse.
  Mr. Speaker, as I rise today to observe National Child Abuse 
Prevention Month, I ask all communities to invest in preventative 
measures and programs to end the cycle of child abuse once and for all. 
This month will serve as a reminder of our moral responsibility to 
ensure a bright future for our children and our Nation.

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