WHEREAS it is the intention of the Mayor and Council of Cherry Hill Township to focus attention on noteworthy occasions and individuals; and
WHEREAS we believe that every child in America deserves to be cared for by adults who provide love, protection and a safe environment for them to live, learn and grow; and
WHEREAS protected and unharmed childhoods produce self-assured and successful adults; and
WHEREAS children who are abused and neglected can become permanently disabled and psychologically distressed adults, experiencing problems with substance abuse, crime or domestic violence against others, including their own children; and
WHEREAS child abuse includes physical and psychological wounds inflicted upon a child, and abuse survivors wear physical and emotional scars for the rest of their lives; and
WHEREAS protecting children against abuse and neglect requires the involvement of everyone, and the combined efforts of both public and private organizations, schools, and professionals is imperative to help families overcome the risk factors for the chains of abuse; and
WHEREAS many dedicated organizations, such as Prevent Child Abuse New Jersey, continue to work in cooperation with local, county and state governments to increase public awareness and promote individual and community action as they strive to eradicate this devastating form of violence, protect children, and help build healthy families and communities where children can reach their potential.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, CHUCK CAHN, by virtue of the authority vested in me as Mayor of the Township of Cherry Hill, County of Camden, State of New Jersey, do hereby proclaim April 2016 to be
CHILD ABUSE PREVENTION MONTH
in the Township of Cherry Hill, New Jersey and encourage all citizens to join with me and the members of Township Council in working to protect all of the children in our community from all forms of abuse and neglect, to ensure that they live the happy, healthy childhoods they deserve.
