Observing National Child Abuse Prevention Month in April: Love Our Children USA Given Proclamation from President Bush

April marks the 21st anniversary of National Child Abuse Prevention Month, a time dedicated to child abuse education, awareness and prevention activities. Observing National Child Abuse Prevention month, Love Our Children USA, (a national organization headquartered in New York whose mission is to stop the cycle that continues to victimize our children) was given a proclamation by President George W. Bush declaring April, National Child Abuse Prevention month.

New York (PRWEB) April 16, 2004 -- Love Our Children USA kicked off National Child Abuse Prevention month by initiating National Love Our Children Day, which was celebrated on April 3. Recognized with a proclamation from New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg and supported by New York Gov. George Pataki, National Love Our Children Day will be celebrated like Mother's Day and Father's Day across the country on the first Saturday of every April to honor and celebrate children, strengthen families and raise awareness to protect children.

While Love Our Children USA continues to support the "Blue Ribbon" Campaign, which is gaining national momentum, they encourage people across the country to wear a Blue Ribbon in support of awareness and child abuse prevention throughout the month of April and throughout the year. Blue Ribbon pins can be purchased through Love Our Children USA.

In addition to the Blue Ribbon Campaign, Love Our Children USA has launched the Love Our Children Awareness Bracelet, designed specifically for Love Our Children USA. It is a powerful way to show support for the loving relationship we should all have with children. The bracelet was created to raise national awareness of child victimization and help promote positive changes in family and parenting attitudes.

The bracelet which is being worn and promoted by supermodel Frederique Van Der Wal and other celebrities was introduced on the ABC TV show 'The View' where Tom Bergeron, host of Hollywood Squares and America's Funniest Home Videos presented each of The View's Hosts with a bracelet. The bracelet can be purchased at www.loveourchildrenusa.org.

As we endure difficult times, it is imperative that we do not overlook our children who are at risk and peril on a daily basis ... and at even greater risk in times of stress. "It is of critical importance that we raise a greater national awareness to stop the cycle that continues to victimize our children before it starts," says Ross Ellis, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Love Our Children, USA.

Reports of child abuse nationwide have increased by 30-percent in the last 10-years. If the country thinks child abuse isn't a problem, they should think again. More than 3 million children are victims of child abuse each year and almost 1.8 million children are reported missing each year, many of whom are abducted from their homes and front yards. Those are only the ones that are reported.

National Child Abuse Prevention Month is not only a timely opportunity to remind ourselves of our collective responsibility to prevent the abuse, neglect and violence that shatters the dreams of millions of children, but it is a timely opportunity to accelerate awareness of this very public issue. The country, our communities, concerned citizens, and even youth must work together to make a difference for children.

Love Our Children USA is the national leading grassroots organization that honors, respects and protects children. As a voice for children, the organization celebrates them and the loving relationship we all should with them. Its mission is to stop the cycle that continues to victimize our children, by promoting positive changes in parenting and family attitudes, behaviors and prevention strategies through public education campaigns. Love Our Children USA works to empower and support children, teens, parents and families through information, resources, advocacy and online youth mentoring.