Virginia Governor Ralph S. Northam

WHEREAS, every child has the right to safe, secure, and supportive environment, free from abuse and neglect; and

WHEREAS, children are the foundation of a sustainable and thriving society, and our prosperity as a Commonwealth and nation is built on a foundation of healthy child development; and

WHEREAS, during Child Abuse Prevention Month, Virginians are reminded of the courage it takes to raise a child and that all parents have the right to the support and knowledge that child rearing demands; and

WHEREAS, keeping children safe from abuse means playing an active role in their lives, building their trust, and teaching them about abuse and how to protect themselves; and

WHEREAS, child abuse is considered to be one of our nation’s most serious public health problems, with scientific studies documenting the link between the abuse and neglect of children and a wide range of medical, emotional, psychological, and behavioral disorders; and

WHEREAS, child abuse can disrupt early brain development, and serious chronic stress can impair the development of nervous and immune systems; and

WHEREAS, child abuse prevention creates a more compassionate society, one which places a high value on the welfare of children; and

WHEREAS, creating communities where families can access an array of support and resources to address the social, emotional, and physical health of their children is the best way to combat child abuse; and

WHEREAS, child abuse prevention programs are effective and successful because of partnerships between families, social services agencies, schools, faith communities, civic organizations, law enforcement agencies, and the business community; and

WHEREAS, Virginia remains committed to sustaining safe, nurturing, and supportive environments for families raising children;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Ralph S. Northam, do hereby recognize April 2021 as CHILD ABUSE PREVENTION MONTH in our COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA, and I call this observance to the attention of all our citizens.