2023 -- H 6245

========

LC001357

========

     STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY

JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2023

____________

H O U S E   R E S O L U T I O N

COMMEMORATING APRIL OF 2023, AS "NATIONAL CHILD ABUSE PREVENTION

MONTH" IN THE STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

     Introduced By: Representatives Casimiro, Shekarchi, Blazejewski, Chippendale,
Newberry, Baginski, Boylan, Noret, Caldwell, and Kazarian

     Date Introduced: April 04, 2023

     Referred To: House read and passed

     WHEREAS, In 1979, President Jimmy Carter declared the first National Child Abuse

Prevention Month and in 1983, President Regan formally established the month-long observance

of this initiative recognizing the importance of families and communities working together to

strengthen families to prevent child abuse and neglect; and

     WHEREAS, Child Abuse Prevention Month is observed annually in April in order to

recognize and support the efforts made by communities and families to raise awareness and

promote the prevention of child abuse; and

     WHEREAS, According to a report issued by the U.S. Department of Health and Human

Services, one out of seven children in the United States has experienced physical abuse, with

boys and girls facing similar rates of abuse; and

     WHEREAS, Victims of child abuse are at a higher risk for emotional, physical, and

relationship problems and require proper care and services to support healing and reduce potential

re-traumatization; and

     WHEREAS, Children rely on adults to keep them safe so all adults must learn about the

signs of child abuse and how to report and prevent it and insure that child abusers are held

responsible for their actions; and

     WHEREAS, Every child deserves a secure childhood and the chance to succeed, and it is

essential that they are educated about safe and unsafe situations, and "grow up in a safe, stable,

and nurturing environment that is free from abuse and neglect"; now, therefore be it

     RESOLVED, That this House of Representatives of the State of Rhode Island hereby

commemorates April of 2023 as "Child Abuse Prevention Month" in the State of Rhode Island

and urges all Rhode Islanders to stand together against child abuse and neglect in order to

promote the safety and well-being of all children and families; and be it further

     RESOLVED, That the Secretary of State be and hereby is authorized and directed to

transmit duly certified copies of this resolution to the State of Rhode Island Department of

Children, Youth & Families and the Children's Advocacy Center.

========

LC001357

========

LC001357 - Page 2 of 2