R 217
2023 -- H 6245
Enacted 04/04/2023

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

     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.
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LC001357
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