In the
time it takes you to read this, another child has been abused.
More than 2,500 children each day, or 100 children per hour,
suffer from neglect and abuse in this country.
And the consequences are frightening. Children and youth who have
been abused or neglected are more likely to abuse alcohol and
drugs, fall victim to teen pregnancy and sexually transmitted
diseases, suffer from depression and mental illness, be involved
with law enforcement, and abuse their own children.
This cycle of
abuse MUST STOP!
In the past, reports by the U.S.
Surgeon General - such as the 1990 report on children and smoking,
or the 1999 report on the prevention of suicide - have brought
important health issues much-needed national attention,
resulting in both federal and private initiatives that made a
significant impact. Help us unite public health and child welfare
resources necessary to create a safe, caring and healthy future
for our children.
Urge President Bush to direct
Surgeon General Carmona to prepare a comprehensive report on
child abuse and neglect in this country.
Dear Mr. President,
I am writing to urge you to direct U.S. Surgeon General Carmona to prepare a comprehensive report on Child Abuse and Neglect. More than 900,000 children each year are victims of abuse or neglect, and research shows that this has far-reaching negative effects on our society. Children and youth who have been abused or neglected are more likely to use alcohol and drugs, fall victim to teen pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases, suffer from depression and mental illness, be involved with law enforcement, and abuse their own children. And the direct costs to our society for the damage resulting from child abuse and neglect has been estimated at $24 billion per year.
I'm sure that you share my concern about child maltreatment, and recognize this as a national tragedy that demands national leadership. Issuance of a Surgeon General's Report will raise public awareness and understanding of the extent of child maltreatment in our country, and spur both public and private initiatives to protect children and curb what has become a public health crisis. It's the best response to such an immense and complex issue and I believe is the most effective way to focus the public health and child welfare resources necessary to create a safe, caring, and healthy future for our children.
Sincerely,
/YOUR NAME/
/YOUR ADDRESS/
