2
3
4
5
6
7
8 LONG TITLE
9 General Description:
10 This concurrent resolution encourages discussion about the effects and prevention of
11 child sexual abuse.
12 Highlighted Provisions:
13 This resolution:
14 ▸ acknowledges the widespread nature of child sexual abuse in Utah;
15 ▸ explains the impact of child sexual abuse on survivors and communities;
16 ▸ encourages discussion about the effects and prevalence of child sexual abuse; and
17 ▸ encourages discussion about ways in which the government, communities, and
18 citizens of Utah can prevent child sexual abuse and support those affected.
19 Special Clauses:
20 None
21
22 Be it resolved by the Legislature of the state of Utah, the Governor concurring therein:
23 WHEREAS, in Utah, it is estimated that one in 10 children will be sexually abused
24 before turning 18 years old;
25 WHEREAS, a report on rape in Utah published in 2007 by the Utah Commission on
26 Criminal and Juvenile Justice found that almost 80% of females who had been sexually
27 assaulted reported that the first sexual assault occurred before turning 18 years old;
28 WHEREAS, it is estimated that the ramifications of child sexual abuse cost the state of
29 Utah approximately $1 billion annually;
30 WHEREAS, survivors of child sexual abuse are about four times more likely to develop
31 symptoms of drug abuse and experience post-traumatic stress disorder as an adult;
32 WHEREAS, survivors of child sexual abuse are about three times more likely to
33 experience a major depressive episode as an adult;
34 WHEREAS, survivors of child sexual abuse are at a higher risk of experiencing
35 behavioral health problems, including eating disorders, learning difficulties, fearfulness, social
36 withdrawal, anxiety, and suicidal thoughts;
37 WHEREAS, survivors of child sexual abuse are at a higher risk of experiencing poor
38 physical health outcomes across the lifespan, including asthma, cancer, obesity, and heart
39 disease;
40 WHEREAS, advocacy organizations have indicated that raising awareness about and
41 preventing child sexual abuse is critical for promoting safe and healthy children and families
42 across Utah;
43 WHEREAS, experts have urged that stopping child sexual abuse is each adult's
44 responsibility and requires the public to be properly educated on the true nature of abuse; and
45 WHEREAS, Utah statute requires an individual who has reason to believe a child has
46 been subjected to abuse or neglect, or observes a child being subjected to conditions or
47 circumstances that would reasonably result in abuse or neglect, to report the alleged abuse or
48 neglect to certain authorities:
49 NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Legislature of the state of Utah, the
50 Governor concurring therein, encourages open and frank discussion about the effects and
51 prevalence of child sexual abuse and supports evidence-based solutions to prevent and reduce
52 the harmful impacts of child sexual abuse.
53 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Legislature and the Governor find that the ways
54 in which the government, communities, and citizens of Utah can prevent child sexual abuse
55 and best support those affected should be further discussed and addressed to ensure that
56 children in Utah are healthy and safe, regardless of race, ethnicity, religion, sex, gender
57 identity, or socioeconomic status.