WHEREAS, April is recognized across the nation as Child Abuse Prevention Month, a time to reaffirm our shared responsibility to protect children and support families; and

WHEREAS, Child sexual abuse continues to affect far too many children in ways that often remain hidden from public view; and

WHEREAS, According to the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about 1 in 4 girls and 1 in 13 boys in the United States experience sexual abuse at some point during their childhood; and

WHEREAS, Many survivors never report their abuse, due to fear, stigma, body image identity, pressure from abusers, or lack of access to safe and supportive reporting channels. The Rape, Abuse and Incest National Network estimates that only a fraction of child sexual abuse cases are ever reported to authorities; and

WHEREAS, Abuse frequently occurs at the hands of individuals known to the child, including family members and trusted adults, and data from the United States Department of Justice indicates that more than 90 percent of child sexual abuse victims know their abuser; and

WHEREAS, Incest and other forms of abuse within families carry unique barriers to reporting that commonly involve secrecy and coercion; and

WHEREAS, Survivors of child sexual abuse may experience longlasting impacts on their mental health, well-being, and relationships, including increased risks of depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress, as noted by the federal Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration; and

WHEREAS, California’s mandated reporters, including teachers, medical professionals, and social workers, serve as a first line of defense, with legal obligations under the Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act to report known or suspected child maltreatment; and

WHEREAS, These dedicated professionals are granted legal immunity under Section 11172 of the Penal Code to ensure that they can act without fear of civil or criminal liability when protecting the state’s most vulnerable citizens; and

WHEREAS, California law enforcement agencies act as essential first responders, using specialized training to identify environmental and behavioral signs of abuse while conducting complex investigations into crimes such as familial rape, incest, and human trafficking; and

WHEREAS, Despite significant progress, the state must continue to address the complexities of familial rape and incest, recognizing that intrafamilial crimes require specific protocols to ensure victim safety while navigating sensitive family dynamics; and

WHEREAS, The pervasiveness of human trafficking continues to be a challenge that requires ongoing statewide operations and interagency collaboration to rescue victims and bring offenders to justice; and

WHEREAS, Children’s advocacy centers provide a multidisciplinary and child-focused setting designed to offer a safe and neutral environment for children and families during the investigative process; and

WHEREAS, Trained forensic social workers and interviewers use specialized and trauma-informed techniques to conduct accurate interviews that prioritize a child’s psychological well-being; and

WHEREAS, Continued efforts are required to expand mandated reporter training across all sectors, so that every individual responsible for a child’s welfare is equipped to recognize and report signs of abuse, neglect, and exploitation; and

WHEREAS, Increasing public understanding and reducing stigma are key steps toward encouraging disclosure, supporting survivors, and preventing abuse before it occurs; and

WHEREAS, Communities play a vital role in recognizing warning signs, responding appropriately, and creating environments where children feel safe and heard; and

WHEREAS, Efforts to prevent abuse should include education, access to resources, and support systems that are responsive to the needs of survivors; now, therefore, be it