On the recordApril 22, 2010
it is with a heavy heart that I rise today to submit a resolution recognizing Child Abuse Prevention Month. I am honored to be joined by a longtime advocate of children, Senator Dodd, in turning a spotlight on the issue of child abuse and neglect in this country. Senator Dodd and I share a common belief that children should be valued and nurtured by both their families and the larger family of humankind. The effort to address child abuse transcends ideological and partisan lines. This is not a Democratic or Republican issue--this is an American issue--one that we can't wish away, but that we must face head on and work to eradicate. Abuse of children occurs in all segments of our society, in rural, suburban, and urban areas and among all racial, ethnic, and income groups. According to the 2008 Child Maltreatment Study compiled by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, during 2008, an estimated 772,000 children were determined to be victims of abuse or neglect, and an estimated 1,740 children died as a result. My home State of Maine is mourning the death of 15-month old Damien Lynn, who was allegedly murdered by his mother's boyfriend. Autopsy reports show that little Damien had broken bones and ribs, head and abdominal injuries, and a human bite mark on his right arm. It is in Damien's memory, and that of the thousands of children who are abused and neglected each year, that I come to the floor today.
