A resolution (H. J. Res. 76) highlighting the prevalence and long-term effects of child abuse was approved, 378-0, by the House on February 14.
The resolution, sponsored by Rep. Matt Salmon (R-AZ), also commends the nonprofit organization Childhelp USA. Among other activities, the group operates a 24-hour telephone hotline for reports of abuse, runs residential treatment centers for abused children, helps coordinate law enforcement and counseling for child abuse victims, and provides outreach and training for potential foster families.
In addition, the resolution endorses Childhelp USA’s “Day of Hope” in April, which is Child Abuse Prevention Month.
According to the resolution, 1,000 children annually die as the direct result of abuse and neglect. Of that number, 78 percent are under the age of five. In addition, 3 million American children are reported each year as suspected victims of child abuse and neglect. The resolution states that child abuse is linked to “crime and delinquency, drug and alcohol abuse, domestic violence, and welfare dependency.”
