Expressing support for the goals and ideals of National Child Abuse Prevention Month.

Whereas children are fundamental to the success of our Nation and will shape the future of the United States; Whereas elected representatives and leaders in our communities must be ever vigilant and proactive in support of evidence-based means to prevent child abuse; Whereas economic adversity has been observed as a precursor to harsh parenting and increased risk for potential abuse of children; Whereas, in 2020, an estimated 7,100,000 children were referred to Child Protective Services (CPS) agencies, alleging maltreatment; Whereas, in 2020, there was an alarming increase in reports alleging maltreatment by children themselves to crisis hotlines; Whereas, in 2020, most children did not attend school in-person due to the COVID–19 pandemic, making it difficult for the largest group of child abuse reporters, education personnel, to observe and report suspected maltreatment; Whereas the mental, physical, and economic stress of the COVID–19 pandemic has resulted in a heightened risk of child abuse; Whereas 2020 saw more than 21,700,000 reports of suspected child sexual exploitation made to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children's CyberTipline, which marked the highest number of reports ever received in 1 year; Whereas reports indicate that 1 in 10 children faces sexual abuse before their 18th birthday; Whereas approximately 1 in 7 children in the United States has experienced child abuse, neglect, or both during the past year; Whereas 1 in 5 children has received a sexual approach or solicitation on the internet during the past year; Whereas 93 percent of juvenile sexual assault victims know their abuser; Whereas children who are sexually abused, when not provided appropriate treatment, often suffer from lifelong problems, such as physical and mental health issues, drug and alcohol abuse, and suicide; Whereas children who are abused or neglected are more likely to be arrested for delinquent behavior as juveniles; Whereas children who have experienced abuse are more likely to be arrested for violent and criminal behavior as adults; Whereas child abuse and neglect cost the Nation over $1,000,000,000 a year; Whereas education and awareness of possible signs of child abuse should be prioritized for purposes of prevention; Whereas Keep Kids Safe is a survivor-centered movement of organizations dedicated to preventing sexual violence against children and adolescents, and to healing and justice for survivors; Whereas this movement includes the Monique Burr Foundation, Darkness to Light, Prevent Child Abuse America, Together for Girls, the SNAP network, the Army of Survivors, and the National Children’s Alliance; and Whereas these organizations play a critical role in preventing childhood sexual abuse and helping survivors heal and seek justice: Now, therefore, be it That the House of Representatives— (1) expresses support for the goals and ideals of National Child Abuse Prevention Month; (2) supports efforts to increase the awareness of, and provide education for, the general public of the United States, related to the prevention of childhood sexual abuse; (3) supports the efforts to help survivors of childhood sexual abuse heal; (4) supports justice for victims of childhood sexual abuse; and (5) recognizes the need for additional resources and Federal legislation for prevention, healing, and justice efforts related to childhood sexual abuse.

Summary: This resolution expresses support for National Child Abuse Prevention Month.