LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION memorializing Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to
proclaim April 2015 as Child Abuse Prevention Month in the State of New
York, in conjunction with the observance of National Child Abuse
Prevention Month

WHEREAS, There is no test of society more important than its treatment
of children, its most precious resource; every child merits the respect,
encouragement, and concern of all; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to memorialize
Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim April 2015 as Child Abuse
Prevention Month in the State of New York, in conjunction with the
observance of National Child Abuse Prevention Month; and
WHEREAS, National Child Abuse Prevention Month is observed every April
to alert Americans to the ongoing crisis of child abuse; to teach commu-
nities to recognize the signs and symptoms of this far too common prob-
lem; and to encourage the prevention of child abuse and neglect through
education and resources; and
WHEREAS, Child Abuse Prevention Month also seeks to remember all the
children who have lost their lives or have been seriously affected by
familial violence; and
WHEREAS, Children are suffering from a hidden epidemic of child abuse;
it is a widespread war against our children that we have the power to
stop; every year, more than three million reports of child abuse are
made in the United States involving more than six million children; and
WHEREAS, Child abuse and neglect is a complex and significant problem;
it crosses all cultural, ethnic, and socioeconomic lines, exists within
all religions, and occurs at all levels of education in our State and
Nation; and
WHEREAS, The United States has one of the worst records among indus-
trialized nations, losing on average between four and seven children
every day to child abuse and neglect; a report of child abuse is made
every ten seconds in America, and approximately 70% of children who die
from abuse are under the age of four; and
WHEREAS, Society pays a high price for child abuse and neglect; the
estimated annual cost in the United States for 2008 was $124 billion;
14% of all men in prison and 36% of women in prison were abused as chil-
dren, about twice the frequency seen in the general population; and
WHEREAS, Preventing child abuse and neglect requires a partnership of
government and local agencies; the goal is to identify and promote early
recognition of abuse or neglect and to develop effective prevention
programs; and
WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is committed to ensuring the safety and
quality of life of the children of this State and Nation, and to protect
future generations of citizens; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
memorialize Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to declare April 2015 as Child
Abuse Prevention Month in the State of New York, in conjunction with the
observance of National Child Abuse Prevention Month; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to The Honorable Andrew M. Cuomo, Governor of the State of New
York.