SR100 - Relative to Breaking the Silence Day of Awareness.

Enrolled April 24, 2026 Passed IN Senate April 23, 2026 CALIFORNIA LEGISLATURE— 2025–2026 REGULAR SESSION Senate Resolution No. 100 Introduced by Senator Alvarado-Gil (Coauthors: Senators Choi, Dahle, Grove, Jones, Niello, Ochoa Bogh, Seyarto, Strickland, and Valladares) April 14, 2026 Relative to Breaking the Silence Day of Awareness. LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL'S DIGEST SR 100, Alvarado-Gil. Digest Key Bill Text WHEREAS, April is recognized across the nation as Child Abuse Prevention Month, a time to reaffirm our shared responsibility to protect children and support families; and WHEREAS, Child sexual abuse continues to affect far too many children in ways that often remain hidden from public view; and WHEREAS, According to the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about 1 in 4 girls and 1 in 13 boys in the United States experience sexual abuse at some point during their childhood; and WHEREAS, Many survivors never report their abuse, due to fear, stigma, body image identity, pressure from abusers, or lack of access to safe and supportive reporting channels. The Rape, Abuse and Incest National Network estimates that only a fraction of child sexual abuse cases are ever reported to authorities; and WHEREAS, Abuse frequently occurs at the hands of individuals known to the child, including family members and trusted adults, and data from the United States Department of Justice indicates that more than 90 percent of child sexual abuse victims know their abuser; and WHEREAS, Incest and other forms of abuse within families carry unique barriers to reporting that commonly involve secrecy and coercion; and WHEREAS, Survivors of child sexual abuse may experience longlasting impacts on their mental health, well-being, and relationships, including increased risks of depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress, as noted by the federal Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration; and WHEREAS, California’s mandated reporters, including teachers, medical professionals, and social workers, serve as a first line of defense, with legal obligations under the Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act to report known or suspected child maltreatment; and WHEREAS, These dedicated professionals are granted legal immunity under Section 11172 of the Penal Code to ensure that they can act without fear of civil or criminal liability when protecting the state’s most vulnerable citizens; and WHEREAS, California law enforcement agencies act as essential first responders, using specialized training to identify environmental and behavioral signs of abuse while conducting complex investigations into crimes such as familial rape, incest, and human trafficking; and WHEREAS, Despite significant progress, the state must continue to address the complexities of familial rape and incest, recognizing that intrafamilial crimes require specific protocols to ensure victim safety while navigating sensitive family dynamics; and WHEREAS, The pervasiveness of human trafficking continues to be a challenge that requires ongoing statewide operations and interagency collaboration to rescue victims and bring offenders to justice; and WHEREAS, Children’s advocacy centers provide a multidisciplinary and child-focused setting designed to offer a safe and neutral environment for children and families during the investigative process; and WHEREAS, Trained forensic social workers and interviewers use specialized and trauma-informed techniques to conduct accurate interviews that prioritize a child’s psychological well-being; and WHEREAS, Continued efforts are required to expand mandated reporter training across all sectors, so that every individual responsible for a child’s welfare is equipped to recognize and report signs of abuse, neglect, and exploitation; and WHEREAS, Increasing public understanding and reducing stigma are key steps toward encouraging disclosure, supporting survivors, and preventing abuse before it occurs; and WHEREAS, Communities play a vital role in recognizing warning signs, responding appropriately, and creating environments where children feel safe and heard; and WHEREAS, Efforts to prevent abuse should include education, access to resources, and support systems that are responsive to the needs of survivors; now, therefore, be it Resolved by the Senate of the State of California, That the Senate proclaims April 16, 2026, as “Breaking the Silence Day of Awareness,” in recognition of the importance of raising awareness about child sexual abuse, including abuse that goes unreported; and be it further Resolved, That the Senate encourages Californians to observe this day by learning about the signs of abuse and fostering open and informed dialogue; and be it further Resolved, That schools, community organizations, health professionals, and public agencies are encouraged to take part in education and outreach efforts that promote prevention, early intervention, and survivor support; and be it further Resolved, That the Secretary of the Senate transmit copies of this resolution to the author for appropriate distribution.