LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION memorializing Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to
proclaim April 2016, as Child Sexual Abuse Prevention Month in the State
of New York

WHEREAS, There is no test of society more important than that of how it
treats its children, its most precious resource; and
WHEREAS, The children of today are the citizens and leaders of tomor-
row; their health, well-being, and development are of paramount impor-
tance to the people of the State of New York and, as such, it is the
sense of this Legislative Body that every child merits the encourage-
ment, protection, and support of all; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern and fully in accord with its long-
standing traditions, it is the intent of this Legislative Body to memo-
rialize Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim April 2016, as Child Sexual
Abuse Prevention Month in the State of New York; and
WHEREAS, Sex crimes, particularly those committed against children,
are among the most heinous and deeply disturbing in our society; they
leave lifelong scars, have multiple victims, and require an all-encom-
passing strategy to combat; and
WHEREAS, A variety of studies have found that one in five children in
the United States are sexually abused, at least 20 percent of boys and
25 percent of girls, the majority by family or family acquaintances or
other people they trust and respect; and
WHEREAS, Far too many of these crimes go unreported or are not
reported for many years; then, when victims finally and courageously do
speak up, they are denied justice in most States, including New York
State, because arbitrary statutes of limitations prohibit them from
seeking the legal recourse they are due; and
WHEREAS, By calling attention to the serious and significant problem
of child sexual abuse, the observation of Child Sexual Abuse Prevention
Month exemplifies a worthy commitment to the children of New York State,
encourages improvement in the quality and availability of pertinent
programs, laws and services, and provides an opportunity to increase
awareness about all aspects of this important matter; now, therefore, be
it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
memorialize Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim April 2016, as Child
Sexual Abuse Prevention Month in the State of New York; and be it
further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to The Honorable Andrew M. Cuomo, Governor of the State of New
York.