Washington, D.C., April 19, 2023 - Together for Girls is encouraged by the passage of H. Resolution “Expressing support for the goals and ideals of National Child Abuse Prevention Month.” The resolution, introduced by Representatives David Joyce of Ohio and Ann Kuster of New Hampshire, uplifts the survivor-centered Keep Kids Safe movement and notes the collective responsibility of elected representatives and leaders in our communities to be proactive in support of evidence-based approaches to prevent child abuse.
Together for Girls is proud to be mentioned as a founding member of the survivor-centered Keep Kids Safe movement along with the Monique Burr Foundation, Darkness to Light, the SNAP Network, the Army of Survivors, and the National Children’s Alliance. In 2022, Keep Kids Safe released the U.S. National Blueprint to End Sexual Violence Against Children and Adolescents, a roadmap that outlines steps the United States federal government can take to prevent sexual violence against children and adolescents and make sure that those who experience sexual violence have access to the healing and justice they deserve.
The resolution describes the pervasive rates of sexual violence against children in the United States, noting that 1 in 4 girls and 1 in 13 boys experience sexual abuse before their 18th birthday, with 42,000,000 estimated child sexual abuse survivors in the United States. It also notes the long-lasting and pervasive impact of violence, stating that “children who are sexually abused, when not provided appropriate treatment, often suffer from lifelong problems, such as physical and mental health issues, and higher risk of drug and alcohol abuse and suicide."
"We know what works to prevent sexual violence against children. Now it’s on us to bring it to scale,” said Daniela Ligiero, Executive Director of Together for Girls, co-founder of Keep Kids Safe, and a survivor of childhood sexual violence. "We have access to evidence-based systems, policies, and programs that can significantly reduce violence rates and ensure every survivor can access the healing they need and justice they deserve. This resolution is a welcome step toward creating a safer future. With boldness and courage, we can put an end to sexual violence in our lifetime. The time to act is now."
About Together for Girls
Ending violence against children cannot be solved by a single actor or sector alone. Together for Girls is a global partnership working to end sexual violence against children and adolescents. Active in over 20 countries, Together for Girls unites actors that often do not work together, including national governments, United Nations entities, the private sector, civil society, and survivors. Through data and advocacy, Together for Girls drives action to break cycles of violence and ensure prevention, healing, and justice.
About the Keep Kids Safe Movement
The Keep Kids Safe Movement is a powerful movement between organizations, survivors, and allies focused on ending sexual violence against children and adolescents, online and offline, in all its forms – child sexual abuse, incest, child sexual exploitation, rape, sexual violence in dating relationships, and sexual violence among peers. The movement is focused on inclusive, comprehensive, bold and transformative action from leaders, including prevention to protect this and every generation to come, healing for victims, survivors, and their families, justice for victims and survivors and accountability for perpetrators and institutions who covered up the abuse.