CITY OF CHARLOTTESVILLE


                        PROCLAMATION
                     Child Abuse Prevention Month

WHEREAS in fiscal year 2020, 783 children in Virginia were subjects in reports of
child abuse and neglect; and
WHEREAS child abuse and neglect is a serious problem affecting every segment of
our community, and finding solutions requires input and action from everyone; and
WHEREAS our children are our most valuable resources and will shape the future of
Charlottesville; and
WHEREAS child abuse can have long‐term psychological, emotional, and physical
effects that have lasting consequences for victims of abuse; and
WHEREAS protective factors are conditions that reduce or eliminate risk and
promote the social, emotional, and developmental well‐being of children; and
WHEREAS effective child abuse prevention activities succeed because of the
partnerships created between child welfare professionals, education, health,
community‐ and faith‐based organizations, businesses, law enforcement agencies, and
families; and
WHEREAS communities must make every effort to promote programs and activities
that create strong and thriving children and families; and
WHEREAS we acknowledge that we must work together as a community to increase
awareness about child abuse and contribute to promote the social and emotional well‐
being of children and families in a safe, stable, and nurturing environment; and
WHEREAS prevention remains the best defense for our children and families.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, J. Lloyd Snook, III, Mayor of the City of Charlottesville, on
behalf of the City Council, do hereby proclaim April 2022 as Child Abuse Prevention
Month in the City of Charlottesville and urge all citizens to recognize this month by
dedicating ourselves to the task of improving the quality of life for all children and
families.

Signed and dated this 4th day of April 2022.



_______________________
J. Lloyd Snook, III, Mayor