Expressing support for the designation of the week of June 6 through June 12, 2021, as "National Child Abuse Prevention Week" and support for children facing psychological or physical abuse.

Bill: 117-hres-463
Sponsor: full_name: Rep. Rutherford, John H. [R-FL-4]
Introduced: 2021-06-04
Policy area: Families
Subjects: Commemorative events and holidays

Crime prevention

Domestic violence and child abuse
Latest action: action_date: 2021-06-04
text: Referred to the House Committee on Education and Labor.

Summaries:
action_date: 2021-06-04
action_desc: Introduced in House
text: <p>This resolution expresses support for National Child Abuse Prevention Week.</p>

tv_txt: IV 117th CONGRESS 1st Session H. RES. 463 IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES June 4, 2021 Mr. Rutherford (for himself and Mr. Lawson of Florida ) submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Education and Labor RESOLUTION Expressing support for the designation of the week of June 6 through June 12, 2021, as National Child Abuse Prevention Week and support for children facing psychological or physical abuse.

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 the mental, physical, and economic stress of the COVID–19 pandemic has demonstrated a potential environment for heightened risk of child abuse; Whereas, in 2019, an estimated 7,900,000 children were referred to Child Protective Services (CPS) agencies alleging maltreatment; Whereas reports indicate that 1 in 10 children faces sexual abuse before his or her 18th birthday; Whereas 1 in 5 children received a sexual approach or solicitation over the internet in the past year; Whereas 93 percent of juvenile sexual assault victims know their attacker; 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 have long-term economic and societal costs; Whereas approximately 1 in 7 children in the United States has experienced child abuse, neglect, or both in the past year; Whereas education and awareness of possible signs of child abuse should be prioritized for purposes of prevention; and Whereas the Monique Burr Foundation for Children of Jacksonville, Florida, plays a critical role in preventing child abuse through its use of comprehensive, evidence-based education programs: Now, therefore, be it

That the House of Representatives— (1) expresses support for the goals and ideals of National Child Abuse Prevention Week; (2) supports efforts to increase awareness of, and education for, child abuse prevention among the general public of the United States; and (3) recognizes the need for additional resources to increase awareness among the public of possible signs of child abuse and ways to prevent it from occurring.