April 3, 1984
By the President of the United States
of America
A Proclamation
Abuse of children occurs in all segments of our society, in rural, suburban, and urban areas and
among all racial, ethnic, and income groups. The time has come for Americans to unite in an
all-out effort to eradicate child abuse, both physical and sexual, from the Nation.
Child abuse is a national concern, but it is a community and family problem first, and the answers
must be found at the community level. Most physical and emotional violence takes place within
the family. All Americans aware of the problem of child abuse must work for an end of this
tragedy.
There is a place for everyone in this effort. By being a good neighbor to the family next door who
may be under stress, Americans can be an enormous help. Our schools have an important role to
play by educating children about parental roles and responsibilities, values, and appropriate
behavior in the family setting. We must do what we can to reverse the trend of abused children
becoming abusive parents. In addition, voluntary community self-help groups such as Parents
Anonymous are taking positive steps to break this cycle.
In recognition of the need to find ways to prevent the agony of child abuse from continuing in
future generations, the Congress, by Senate Joint Resolution 161, has designated the month of
April 1984 as ``National Child Abuse Prevention Month'' and has authorized and requested the
President to issue a proclamation in observance of this period.
Now, Therefore, I, Ronald Reagan, President of the United States of America, do hereby
proclaim the month of April 1984, as National Child Abuse Prevention Month. We must find a
way to leave our future generations a priceless legacy -- the confidence and trust resulting from a
secure childhood.
In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand this third day of April, in the year of our Lord
nineteen hundred and eighty-four, and of the Independence of the United States of America the
two hundred and eighth.
Ronald Reagan
[Filed with the Office of the Federal Register, 4:45 p.m., April 3, 1984]