For Immediate Release
Office of the Press Secretary
April 2, 2004
National Child Abuse Prevention Month 2004
By the President of the United States
A Proclamation
America has a fundamental duty to protect the safety and well-being
of its children. During National Child Abuse Prevention Month, we
renew our commitment to preventing child abuse and neglect, and we
dedicate ourselves to creating a safe environment in which our children
can grow and thrive.
We have made important progress in protecting America's children,
but too many still suffer from abuse and neglect. Recent reports
indicate that nearly 900,000 children were found to be victims of abuse
or neglect in 2002. Of these children, an estimated 1,400 died, 75
percent of whom were 4 years old or younger.
These young girls and boys depend on adults to recognize the risk
factors and warning signs of abuse and to take action to end it. This
critical responsibility is shared by parents, teachers, coaches,
religious leaders, government officials, and concerned citizens in
every community.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, GEORGE W. BUSH, President of the United States
of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution
and laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim April 2004 as
National Child Abuse Prevention Month. I encourage all citizens to
take an active role in creating a caring community and help protect
America's children from abuse and neglect.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this second
day of April, in the year of our Lord two thousand four, and of the
Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and
twenty-eighth.
GEORGE W. BUSH
# # #
|