Lynn C. Woolsey: “Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of House Resolution 1293, which supports the goals and ideals of National Child…”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of House Resolution 1293, which supports the goals and ideals of National Child Abuse Prevention Month. Our children are our most precious resources, and they need our support to thrive and to grow into healthy, productive adults. During National Child Abuse Prevention Month, we raise awareness of the critical necessity of responding to child abuse, to promoting healthy families, and to nurturing our children in safe environments free from abuse, neglect, or fear. The effects of child abuse and neglect have enormous consequences on our Nation's children. On average, five children every day are killed as a result of child abuse or neglect, and a report of child abuse is made every 10 seconds in the United States--the wealthiest nation on Earth, I must remind us. In 2008, an estimated 1,740 children died as a result of such abuse, and that number leaves out many more deaths which are not properly reported for their actual causes. Tragically, sexual, emotional, and physical abuse threaten too many of our Nation's children every single day.”