Assembly Concurrent Resolution No. 16

Assembly Concurrent Resolution No. 16-Committee on

Health and Human Services

April 17, 1997
____________

Read and Adopted

SUMMARY--Declares month of April as Child Abuse Prevention Month in State of Nevada. (BDR R-1611)

EXPLANATION - Matter in italics is new; matter in brackets [ ] is material to be omitted.

ASSEMBLY CONCURRENT RESOLUTION--Declaring the month of April as Child Abuse Prevention Month in the State of Nevada.

Whereas, Child abuse is one of the leading concerns of our country and this state; and
Whereas, In 1995, approximately 2,000,000 reports of maltreatment were investigated nationwide, involving almost 3,000,000 children, 1,000,000 of which were substantiated; and
Whereas, Approximately 18,000 children each year are permanently disabled from abuse and neglect; and
Whereas, It is estimated that 2,000 infants and young children under 4 years of age die from maltreatment each year, more than five children every day, and it is believed that the actual number of fatalities may be much higher; and
Whereas, Maltreatment may take the form of physical, emotional or medical neglect, physical abuse, sexual abuse, abandonment, congenital drug addiction and threats of harm; and
Whereas, The abuse of drugs and alcohol and the cycle of domestic violence have been proven to be leading factors in child abuse and neglect; and
Whereas, Statistical research indicates that a child who has suffered abuse has a greater overall risk of perpetuating the cycle of domestic violence, of exhibiting delinquent behavior and of committing a violent crime, and, therefore, early intervention is of prime importance to the child and the family, as well as to society; and
Whereas, Because children are uniquely vulnerable, with voices that are seldom heard, society has a responsibility to intervene on their behalf and to speak for them; and
Whereas, Every concerned adult in our community should know the signs and symptoms of child abuse and be ready and willing to report suspected child abuse to the proper authorities; now, therefore, be it
Resolved by the Assembly of the State of Nevada, the Senate Concurring, That the 69th session of the Nevada Legislature recognizes the importance of the family and our commitment to the safety and well-being of all children; and be it further
Resolved, That parent education programs, home visitation programs, family mentoring programs and public awareness campaigns are an important part of addressing child abuse and neglect; and be it further
Resolved, That the month of April is hereby declared Child Abuse Prevention Month and that the residents of Nevada are encouraged to display a blue ribbon on their clothing or car antennas to increase public awareness and promote prevention of child abuse and neglect.