A resolution expressing support for the goals and ideals of National Child Abuse Prevention Month.

Whereas children are fundamental to the success of the United States and will shape the future of the United States;

Whereas elected representatives and leaders in the communities of the United States must be ever vigilant and proactive in support of evidence-based means to prevent child abuse and neglect and support families;

Whereas adverse childhood experiences (referred to in this preamble as ACEs) are traumatic experiences that occur during childhood with lasting effects and include experiences of violence, abuse, or neglect;

Whereas at least 5 of the top 10 leading causes of death are associated with ACEs;

Whereas preventing ACEs could reduce many health conditions, including—

Whereas every child is filled with tremendous promise, and we all have a collective responsibility to prevent ACEs, foster the potential of every child, and promote positive childhood experiences;

Whereas primary prevention of child abuse and neglect can reduce the lifetime economic burden associated with child maltreatment;

Whereas, in 2022, an estimated 7,530,000 children were referred to child protective services agencies, alleging maltreatment;

Whereas, in 2022, the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children’s CyberTipline received nearly 32,000,000 reports of suspected online child sexual exploitation, which marked the highest number of reports ever received in 1 year;

Whereas reports indicate that 1 in 4 girls and 1 in 20 boys experience sexual abuse before their eighteenth birthday, with more than 42,000,000 estimated child sexual abuse survivors in the United States;

Whereas approximately 1 in 7 children in the United States experienced child abuse, neglect, or both between 2022 and 2023;

Whereas 43 percent of children exposed to inappropriate sexual content on social media are under 13 years old, and 1 in 5 are 9 years old or younger;

Whereas 91 percent of child sexual abuse victims are abused by a person they know and trust;

Whereas children who are sexually abused, especially when not provided appropriate treatment and support, often suffer lifelong consequences, such as physical and mental health challenges and higher risk of drug and alcohol misuse and suicide;

Whereas education and awareness of possible signs of child abuse and neglect should be prioritized for purposes of prevention;

Whereas by intervening to prevent adversity and build resilience during the most critical years of development of a child, voluntary, evidence-based, home-visiting programs have shown positive impact on—