(PRNewsChannel) / July 21, 2009 / Scottsdale, Ariz. / In a national show of support, all 22 Governors attending the National Governors Association meeting in Biloxi spoke up and pledged their support to do all they could to end the epidemic of child abuse in America. The resolution is part of a national campaign that child abuse prevention organization Childhelp has launched to raise awareness of the cause of child abuse. According to a set of newly released statistics, 1760 children died in the U.S. in 2007 from child abuse and neglect – or nearly five children per day.
The resolution states:
Whereas, children are America’s most precious asset and deserve our most committed support and protection; and whereas, the issue of child abuse and neglect is a serious and growing problem in America; and whereas, every 10 seconds a child is abused in America and whereas, ever day five children die as the result of child abuse in America; and whereas, ever year millions of children are abused in America; and whereas, due to the current economic downturn child abuse has been increasing in incidences and in severity in America. Now, therefore, be it resolved, that we, the Governors of the fifty United States of America and affiliated Territories, hereby pledge to do everything in our power to fight and bring an end to child abuse in America.
Childhelp is taking the resolution to the remaining 28 Governors to get their pledge and support their 50 state bus tour to raise awareness of child abuse and neglect. The 22 Governor’s that signed the resolution are from the states of: Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Delaware, Georgia, Iowa, Kansas, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Mississippi, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Mexico, South Dakota, Tennessee, Vermont, Virginia, Washington and West Virginia.
“The response we received from the Governors was amazing,” said John Reid, executive director of Childhelp. “They are and remain committed to putting a stop to abuse in America, and we are thankful for their support.”
Unlike other childhood diseases, the cure for this horrible epidemic is available to all children. All it requires is support and strength from each community. Childhelp is focused on encouraging and providing resources for parents, families and caregivers around the country.
Childhelp has made an impact in the lives of millions of children over the last 50 years, though much more needs to be done. Child abuse cases have been increasing across the nation as CPS workers are being laid off during budget cuts and parents struggling with financial problems are venting their frustrations on their children. Recent studies have estimated that the impact of child abuse to American society is over $100 billion annually.
Media Contact:
Derrek Hofrichter
Communications Manager
dhofrichter@childhelp.org
480-922-8212/480-297-8445
About Childhelp
In 2009, Childhelp commemorates 50 years of bringing the light of hope and healing into the lives of countless children. CEO and Co-Founder Sara O'Meara and President and Co-Founder Yvonne Fedderson started Childhelp in 1959, establishing it as a leading national non-profit organization dedicated to helping victims of child abuse and neglect and at-risk children. Childhelp's approach focuses on advocacy, prevention, treatment and community outreach, including the Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline, 1-800-4-A-CHILD®.
For more information about Childhelp’s many programs of prevention and treatment and to learn how to get involved in our 50th anniversary celebration, please call 480-922-8212 or visit www.childhelp.org.
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