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1993.04.01 :  Child Abuse Month

Bill McPherrin (202) 401-9215 
April 1, 1993               

       HHS Secretary Donna E. Shalala today challenged all
Americans to take responsibility for preventing child
maltreatment.
       "April 1993 is National Child Abuse Prevention Month,"
said Shalala. "During April and every month, we must rededicate
ourselves to eliminating child maltreatment.  To grow up healthy,
children must be loved and treated with respect.  If we value the
future security and strength of America, we must start with our
children."
       According to the most recent information, each year
approximately 2.7 million children are the alleged victims of
child abuse and neglect.  Among substantiated cases of child
maltreatment, approximately 45 percent were for neglect, 25
percent for physical abuse, 16 percent for sexual abuse and 14
percent for other forms of maltreatment.  An estimated 1,000 of
these children die each year as a result of their injuries.
       "Child abuse and neglect occurs among the affluent, as
well as among the poor; among the educated, as well as among the
less-educated; in the suburbs, as well as in the inner city,"
said Shalala.  "Everyone can do something to prevent child abuse. 
The best place to start is in our own homes.  But I also call on
communities to unite to combat this devastating problem."
       The National Center for Child Abuse and Neglect (NCCAN),
located in HHS' Administration for Children and Families, is the
focal point within the federal government for child maltreatment
activities.  Through state grant programs and grants for research
and demonstration and data collection, NCCAN assists in the
prevention and treatment of child abuse and neglect.
       During April 1993, NCCAN is joining with community
organizations around the country to provide helpful information
on steps each American can take to prevent child abuse.


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