A concurrent RESOLUTION

TO RECOGNIZE THAT ABUSE AND NEGLECT OF CHILDREN IS A SIGNIFICANT PROBLEM, to honor the important work being done to combat child abuse, AND TO DECLARE APRIL 4, 2023, AS "CHILDREN'S ADVOCACY CENTER DAY" IN SOUTH CAROLINA.

Whereas, over three hundred fifty thousand children are served by Children's Advocacy Centers nationwide each year; and

Whereas, in 2022, Children's Advocacy Centers throughout South Carolina served almost thirteen thousand child victims of abuse, providing victim advocacy and support services to them and their families. This represents a sixteen percent increase in children served per year by Children's Advocacy Centers in South Carolina since 2021; and

Whereas, although neglect is the most common form of child maltreatment, victims also suffer year after year from physical abuse, sexual abuse, drug endangerment, commercial sexual exploitation, and psychological maltreatment; and

Whereas, Children's Advocacy Centers seek to model, promote, and deliver excellence in child abuse response and prevention through direct service, education, collaboration, and leadership; and

Whereas, it is entirely appropriate for the South Carolina General Assembly to pause in its deliberations to underline the growing problem of child abuse and the serious impact its continued existence has on the citizens of South Carolina, as well as on the rest of the nation. Now, therefore,

Be it resolved by the Senate, the House of Representatives concurring:

That the members of the South Carolina General Assembly, by this resolution, recognize that abuse and neglect of children is a significant problem, honor the important work being done to combat child abuse, and declare April 4, 2023 as "Children's Advocacy Center Day" in South Carolina.

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