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.

IV 117TH CONGRESS 1ST SESSION H. RES. 463 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. IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES JUNE 4, 2021 Mr. RUTHERFORD (for himself and Mr. LAWSON of Florida) submitted the fol- lowing 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 psy- chological or physical abuse. Whereas children are fundamental to the success of our Na- tion and will shape the future of the United States; Whereas elected representatives and leaders in our commu- nities 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; VerDate Sep 11 2014 02:54 Jun 05, 2021 Jkt 019200 PO 00000 Frm 00001 Fmt 6652 Sfmt 6300 E:\BILLS\HR463.IH HR463 kjohnson on DSK79L0C42PROD with BILLS 2 •HRES 463 IH Whereas the mental, physical, and economic stress of the COVID–19 pandemic has demonstrated a potential envi- ronment for heightened risk of child abuse; Whereas, in 2019, an estimated 7,900,000 children were re- ferred to Child Protective Services (CPS) agencies alleg- ing 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 solici- tation 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 prob- lems 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 Jack- sonville, Florida, plays a critical role in preventing child VerDate Sep 11 2014 02:54 Jun 05, 2021 Jkt 019200 PO 00000 Frm 00002 Fmt 6652 Sfmt 6300 E:\BILLS\HR463.IH HR463 kjohnson on DSK79L0C42PROD with BILLS 3 •HRES 463 IH abuse through its use of comprehensive, evidence-based education programs: Now, therefore, be it Resolved, That the House of Representatives— 1 (1) expresses support for the goals and ideals of 2 National Child Abuse Prevention Week; 3 (2) supports efforts to increase awareness of, 4 and education for, child abuse prevention among the 5 general public of the United States; and 6 (3) recognizes the need for additional resources 7 to increase awareness among the public of possible 8 signs of child abuse and ways to prevent it from oc- 9 curring. 10 Æ VerDate Sep 11 2014 02:54 Jun 05, 2021 Jkt 019200 PO 00000 Frm 00003 Fmt 6652 Sfmt 6301 E:\BILLS\HR463.IH HR463 kjohnson on DSK79L0C42PROD with BILLS