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8 LONG TITLE
9 General Description:
10 This concurrent resolution encourages open, frank discussion about the effects and
11 prevalence of child sexual abuse.
12 Highlighted Provisions:
13 This resolution:
14 ▸ acknowledges the widespread nature of child sexual abuse globally, nationally, and
15 at the state level;
16 ▸ explains the impact of child sexual abuse on victims and communities;
17 ▸ encourages discussion about the effects and prevalence of child sexual abuse; and
18 ▸ encourages greater study and discussion of ways in which our government,
19 communities, and citizens can prevent this form of abuse, as well as how best to
20 support those affected.
21 Special Clauses:
22 None
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24 Be it resolved by the Legislature of the state of Utah, the Governor concurring therein:
25 WHEREAS, the Rape, Abuse and Incest National Network reports that nationally, one
26 in nine girls and one in 53 boys under the age of 18 experience sexual abuse or assault at the
27 hands of an adult;
28 WHEREAS, in Utah, it is estimated that one in 10 children will be sexually abused
29 before they turn 18;
30 WHEREAS, a report on rape in Utah published in 2007 by the Utah Commission on
31 Criminal and Juvenile Justice found that almost 80% of females who had been sexually
32 assaulted reported that their first sexual assault occurred before their 18th birthday;
33 WHEREAS, victims of child sexual abuse are about four times more likely to develop
34 symptoms of drug abuse and experience Post Traumatic Stress Disorder as adults;
35 WHEREAS, victims of child sexual abuse are about three times more likely to
36 experience a major depressive episode as adults;
37 WHEREAS, victims of child sexual abuse are also likely to experience other health
38 problems, such as eating disorders, learning difficulties, behavioral problems, fearfulness,
39 social withdrawal, anxiety, and suicidal thoughts;
40 WHEREAS, it is estimated that the ramifications of child sexual abuse cost the state of
41 Utah approximately $1 billion annually;
42 WHEREAS, advocacy organizations such as Prevent Child Abuse America have
43 indicated that raising awareness of the unacceptability of child sexual abuse is an important
44 step in prevention; and
45 WHEREAS, experts have also urged that stopping child sexual abuse is all citizens'
46 responsibility and requires the public to be properly educated on the true nature of abuse.
47 NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Legislature of the state of Utah, the
48 Governor concurring therein, encourages open and frank discussion about the effects and
49 prevalence of child sexual abuse.
50 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the ways in which our government, communities,
51 and citizens can prevent this form of abuse, as well as how best to support those affected,
52 should also be studied and discussed.