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PROPOSED RESOLUTION
ACKNOWLEDGING APRIL AS CHILD ABUSE AWARENESS MONTH
WHERAS, Child abuse is when intentional harm or mistreatment of a child under age 18 occurs. Child abuse is a criminal offense perpetuated commonly by someone the child knows such as a parent, family member, caregiver or family friend, and;
WHERAS, Child neglect is a form of abuse. Neglect is failing to provide a child with food, shelter, education, medical care, and emotional support. At least 1 in 7 children has experienced neglect annually, and;
WHERAS, Children who live in poverty, are younger than four years of age, and have special needs, are at higher risk of experiencing abuse and neglect, and;
WHERAS, If untreated, the experiences of child abuse can impact a child’s lifelong health and well-being. Victims of child abuse are at higher risk of experiencing depression, substance use disorder or personality disorders. Counseling and therapy can help prevent future abuse and reduce long-term damage, and;
WHERAS, As much as 70% of child abuse goes unreported; and a child tells an average of seven adults that they are being abused or neglected before a report is made. Every delay in reporting suspected abuse or neglect increases the likelihood that abuse will become more serious, or even deadly, and that the perpetrator will abuse additional children, and;
WHERAS, Child abuse casts the shadow the length of a lifetime. A child is innocent and still has plenty of space to grow. Nothing makes any child deserve to be abused. As adults, survivors may suffer from the stressors and trauma of child abuse and may find ways to cope. It is a major global concern that should be taken seriously and be on the forefront of both mental and physical health initiatives, and;
WHERAS, April is recognized as National Child Abuse Prevention Month (NCAPM). The importance of communities working together to support and strengthen families to prevent child maltreatment is emphasized during this time. Communities are encouraged to increase awareness about child and family well-being and work together to implement effective strategies that support families and prevent child abuse and neglect, and;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Cook County Board of Commissioners, on behalf of the residents of Cook County, does hereby acknowledge April as National Child Abuse Prevention Month and support the survivors of child abuse and;
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that a copy of this Resolution be archived as a token of the esteem held by the President of the Cook County Board of Commissioners and the Cook County Board of Commissioners.
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