Tennessee's First Lady Visits Congressman Davis June 11, 2003

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Tennessee's First Lady, Andrea Conte, met with U.S. Rep. Lincoln Davis today to discuss the expansion of child advocacy programs in Tennessee. June has been designated as the National Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month.

"When I served in the Tennessee legislature, I had strongly supported and introduced legislation supporting victims of crimes. I plan on continuing those efforts here in the U.S. Congress," Davis said. "The First Lady has asked me to assist her and the State to expand and develop child advocacy programs."

Currently, Tennessee has 21 child advocacy centers. A reported 3 million cases of child neglect and abuse occur every year in the United States. The Tennessee Department of Children Services responds to over 37,000 cases in Tennessee annually.

"I recently voted for a House Resolution that expressed the sense of Congress in regards to raising awareness and encouraging prevention of sexual assault and supporting the goals of National Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month. These horrible crimes must not go unnoticed or unpunished."

To request help or to report suspected abuse, please call the Childhelp USA National Child Abuse Hotline at (800) 422-4453.