A house RESOLUTION

TO RECOGNIZE APRIL 2023 AS "cHILD aBUSE PREVENTION MONTH" IN SOUTH CAROLINA AND encourage all South Carolinians to dedicate themselves to PRotECTING THE QUALITY OF LIFE FOR ALL FAMILIES AND CHILDREN IN THE PALMETTO STATE.

Whereas, South Carolina's 1.1 million children residing in the diverse communities across our state, including 119,973 from Greenville County, are our most valuable resource and will shape the future of our great state; and

Whereas, childhood trauma, including abuse and neglect, is a serious problem affecting every segment of our community, and finding solutions requires input and action from everyone; and

Whereas, childhood trauma can have long-term psychological, emotional, and physical effects that have lasting consequences for victims of abuse; and

Whereas, protective factors are conditions that reduce or eliminate risk and promote the social, emotional, and developmental well-being of children; and

Whereas, effective child abuse prevention activities succeed because of the partnerships created among child welfare professionals, education, health, community and faith-based organizations, businesses, law enforcement agencies, and families; and

Whereas, communities must make every effort to promote programs and activities that build strong children and families; and

Whereas, we acknowledge that we must work together as a community in partnership to build awareness about child abuse and contribute to promote the social and emotional well-being of children and families in a safe, stable, and nurturing environment; and

Whereas, prevention remains the best defense for our children and families. Now, therefore,

Be it resolved by the House of Representatives:

That the members of the South Carolina House of Representatives, by this resolution, do hereby proclaim April 2023 as "Child Abuse Prevention Month" and encourage all South Carolinians to dedicate themselves to protecting the quality of life for all families and children in the Palmetto State.

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