Supporting The Observance Of National Child Abuse Prevention Month

Floor Speech

Ms. McCOLLUM. Madam Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H. Res. 337, a resolution to recognize April as National Child Abuse Prevention Month.

Every year, thousands of children across the country become victims of child abuse. More than 5.8 million children in the United States were reported to be abused or neglected in 2007, and many more cases go unreported.

All children deserve to be raised in a safe and nurturing environment. It is a tragedy when children are victimized by abuse, neglect, alcohol and drug abuse, or domestic violence. As a former board member of Minnesota Crisis Nurseries, I fully recognize the importance of strengthening child abuse prevention programs in Minnesota and throughout the United States. Early prevention approaches that utilize family support networks are critical to stopping child abuse before it starts.

H. Res. 337 calls for increased public awareness of the maltreatment of children. This resolution also recognizes the many national and community organizations that promote awareness of child abuse and share strategies for prevention. It further urges families and individuals to report abuse or to get help by calling the National Child Abuse Hotline at 1-800-4-A-Child.

I will continue working to strengthen child abuse prevention programs in Minnesota and throughout the United States. Keeping children and families safe must be a priority if we are to ensure the well being of our Nation's future--its children.

I urge my colleagues to join me in voting for this bill.

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