Statement from Senator Bonacic

By the time you finish reading this sentence, one child will have been abused somewhere in America. In the next 24 hours, 4 children will die from child abuse. Of those four children who die, 70% of those deaths will be children under the age of 4.

For these reasons, and many more, I want to invite you to recognize April as Child Abuse Prevention Month.

As your Senator, I have consistently led the fight for tougher laws to help combat child abuse, and to hold perpetrators accountable. This month, I am encouraging everyone to take a moment and reflect on how their actions can help improve the lives of children who may be struggling with tough family situations and looking for the help they so desperately need. Please join me in pledging that you will be sure to report any cases of child abuse you may suspect.

If you do suspect child abuse is occurring, please call the New York State Child Abuse Hotline at 1-800-342-3720. If there is an immediate threat to a child, call 911.

To learn more about child abuse prevention services, visit ocfs.state.ny.us/main/prevention.

So during this important month, and throughout the year, please join our efforts to combat this terrible scourge and help end this cycle of violence once and for all.

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