Assembly Resolution No. 265

BY: M. of A. Rosenthal L

MEMORIALIZING Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim
April 2017, 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
tomorrow; their health, well-being, and development are of paramount
importance 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
encouragement, protection, and support of all; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and fully in accord with its
long-standing traditions, it is the sense of this Legislative Body to
memorialize Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim April 2017, 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-encompassing strategy to combat; and

WHEREAS, Studies have found that 20.7% of children are sexually
abused; that is 43,000 children a year in New York State; and

WHEREAS, On a national level, one in five girls and one in 20 boys
are victims of sexual abuse, and the majority are abused by a family
member or family acquaintances 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; and

WHEREAS, It is imperative that there be greater awareness of this
serious issue, and more must be done to increase activity at the local,
State and National levels; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
memorialize Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim April 2017, 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
transmitted to The Honorable Andrew M. Cuomo, Governor of the State of
New York.