On the recordApril 27, 2010
Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of the resolution before us, H. Res. 1293, expressing support for the goals and ideals of National Child Abuse Prevention Month. Child abuse is an unfortunate reality for many of the Nation's children. No child should have to experience abuse or neglect, but cases of such are reported every day. Recent data from 2008 indicate that 772,000 children were victims of child abuse and neglect and that 1,740 children died as a result of child abuse and neglect. Eighty percent of those children were under the age of 4. Besides the immediate physical and emotional pain that abuse and neglect can inflict on a child, these experiences can have long-term effects on the victims as well. Data show abused and neglected children are at a higher risk of developing health problems, such as alcoholism, depression, drug abuse, and obesity in adulthood. A National Institute of Justice study indicates that children who are abused or who are neglected are 11 times more likely to be arrested for delinquent behavior as juveniles and are 2.7 times more likely to be arrested for violent and criminal behavior as adults.
