BILL NUMBER: ACR 32	ENROLLED
	BILL TEXT

	ADOPTED IN SENATE  JULY 14, 2011
	ADOPTED IN ASSEMBLY  MAY 2, 2011

INTRODUCED BY   Assembly Member Harkey

                        MARCH 7, 2011

   Relative to child sexual abuse.


	LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL'S DIGEST


   ACR 32, Harkey. Child sexual abuse awareness.
   This measure would declare April 29, 2011, as the day of the
annual TAALK-a-Thon sponsored by Talk About Abuse to Liberate Kids
(TAALK), and would encourage all adults in California to be
knowledgeable and outspoken about the prevention of child sexual
abuse.



   WHEREAS, Child sexual abuse affects over 20 percent of minors. One
in three girls and one in six boys will be victims of sexual abuse
before they are 18 years of age; and
   WHEREAS, We know that child sexual abuse is both predictable and
preventable for more than 90 percent of victims who are abused by a
family member or another person the victim knows and trusts; and
   WHEREAS, Children are the most valuable and vulnerable members of
society, and child sexual abuse is an epidemic that threatens their
health, safety, and well-being; and
   WHEREAS, Survivors of child sexual abuse often suffer long-term
physical, emotional, and social effects, including substance abuse,
eating disorders, anxiety and depression, increased disease, and even
early death; and
   WHEREAS, To ensure the safety of children, knowledgeable and
outspoken adults are needed, and education and awareness programs
provide communities with the knowledge and tools necessary to help
prevent future abuse; and
   WHEREAS, Talk About Abuse to Liberate Kids (TAALK) is California's
leading nonprofit organization dedicated to education, awareness,
and support for victims and families, which are, in part, realized
through a global TAALK-a-Thon that takes place annually, in
conjunction with Sexual Abuse Awareness Month, in April; and
   WHEREAS, The TAALK-a-Thon provides opportunities for education,
forums for awareness, and opportunities for individuals to share
their stories and voice their concerns, and to begin statewide,
nationwide, and worldwide discussions about the tragedy, resolution,
and healing of child sexual abuse; and
   WHEREAS, Bringing people together to talk about child sexual abuse
and prevention not only provides widespread education, but empowers
survivors to break the silence and begin to heal; now, therefore, be
it
   Resolved by the Assembly of the State of California, the Senate
thereof concurring, That the Legislature declares April 29, 2011, as
the day of the annual TAALK-a-Thon sponsored by TAALK; and be it
further
   Resolved, That the Legislature encourages all adults in California
to be knowledgeable and outspoken about the prevention of child
sexual abuse; and be it further
   Resolved, That the Chief Clerk of the Assembly transmit copies of
this resolution to the author for appropriate distribution.