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.
