Senate Resolution No. 1695
BY: Senator BIAGGI
MEMORIALIZING Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim
April 2022, as Child Sexual Abuse Prevention Month
in the State of New York
WHEREAS, There is no test of society more important than that of how
it treats its children, its most precious resource; and
WHEREAS, The children of today are the citizens and leaders of
tomorrow; their health, well-being, and development are of paramount
importance to the people of the State of New York and, as such, it is
the sense of this Legislative Body that every child merits the
encouragement, protection, and support of all; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to memorialize
Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim April 2022, as Child Sexual Abuse
Prevention Month in the State of New York, in conjunction with the
observance of National Child Sexual Abuse Prevention Month; and
WHEREAS, Sex crimes, particularly those committed against children,
are among the most heinous and deeply disturbing in our society; they
leave lifelong scars, have multiple victims, and require an
all-encompassing strategy to combat; and
WHEREAS, In Federal fiscal year 2019, 4.4 million reports were made
to child protective services; and
WHEREAS, On a national level, one in five girls and one in 20 boys
are victims of sexual abuse, and the majority are abused by a family
member or family acquaintances they trust and respect; and
WHEREAS, Studies have found that approximately 20.7% of children are
sexually abused; that is about 43,000 children a year in New York State;
and
WHEREAS, Effective child abuse prevention activities succeed because
of the partnerships created between child welfare professionals,
education, health, community- and faith-based organizations, businesses,
law enforcement agencies, and families; and
WHEREAS, By calling attention to the serious and significant problem
of child sexual abuse, the observation of Child Sexual Abuse Prevention
Month exemplifies a worthy commitment to the children of New York State,
encourages improvement in the quality and availability of pertinent
programs, laws and services, and provides an opportunity to increase
awareness about all aspects of this important matter; and
WHEREAS, It is imperative that there be greater awareness of this
serious issue, and more must be done to increase activity at the local,
State and National levels; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
memorialize Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim April 2022, as Child
Sexual Abuse Prevention Month in the State of New York; and be it
further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to The Honorable Kathy Hochul, Governor of the State of New
York.
