National Child Abuse Prevention Month, 2004

Proclamation 7766 of April 2, 2004

National Child Abuse Prevention Month, 2004

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

America has a fundamental duty to protect the safety
and well-being of its children. During National Child
Abuse Prevention Month, we renew our commitment to
preventing child abuse and neglect, and we dedicate
ourselves to creating a safe environment in which our
children can grow and thrive.

We have made important progress in protecting America's
children, but too many still suffer from abuse and
neglect. Recent reports indicate that nearly 900,000
children were found to be victims of abuse or neglect
in 2002. Of these children, an estimated 1,400 died, 75
percent of whom were 4 years old or younger.

These young girls and boys depend on adults to
recognize the risk factors and warning signs of abuse
and to take action to end it. This critical
responsibility is shared by parents, teachers, coaches,
religious leaders, government officials, and concerned
citizens in every community.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, GEORGE W. BUSH, President of the
United States of America, by virtue of the authority
vested in me by the Constitution and laws of the United
States, do hereby proclaim April 2004 as National Child
Abuse Prevention Month. I encourage all citizens to
take an active role in creating a caring community and
help protect America's children from abuse and neglect.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this
second day of April, in the year of our Lord two
thousand four, and of the Independence of the United
States of America the two hundred and twenty-eighth.

(Presidential Sig.)B