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     Jim Meffert for Congress on Facebook
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    Child Abuse and NeglectThe financial cost of child abuse and neglect to the United States in 2007 was conservatively estimated at $108 billion. The damage inflicted by child abuse and neglect is truly immeasurable. It is estimated that one in four girls and one in five boys are victims of childhood sexual abuse before they turn 18 – that is approximately 20% of all children in America. Child abuse and neglect is at epidemic proportions and more needs to be done to combat the problem and save these children. Abused and neglected children have significant long term problems that can include alcoholism and other addictions, lower performance in schools and on the job, relationship difficulties and a host of other problems. An effective, comprehensive approach toward reducing child abuse in America is necessary to combat these impacts and over time it will save hundreds of billions of dollars. We should also take steps to ensure that victims of childhood sexual abuse are able to hold those responsible for the abuse to account. Identifying sex offenders is a critical prevention measure, and if victims aren’t given adequate opportunity to name their offenders, then the offenders go on to victimize more children. In Congress I will be a champion for children and will support:
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