Children are a precious gift from God; and, as a society, we must do all we can to protect them from harm. With over 2,900 cases of abuse reported in Chattanooga last year, we know that this problem occurs in every segment of society. All children deserve to be treasured, loved and protected.

April is Child Abuse Prevention month, and I was honored to speak at two separate child abuse prevention rallies in Chattanooga and Cleveland in the last few days. The events were sponsored by local groups who support the prevention of child abuse in our area and speak for our children through our courts so that these innocent victims have a voice. I was impressed by the commitment of the social workers, civic and community leaders and citizens who came together at these sessions to express their determination to end the cycle of abuse for our children.

It's fortunate that we have such dedicated workers because child abuse IS a serious national problem. In 1999 - the latest year for which figures are available - there were 826,000 child abuse victims nationwide, according to the National Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting System. Fully 1,100 children died from this plague of violence across the country.

Not only are the children themselves victims of this devastating mistreatment, but it has a malignant "ripple effect." The National Institute of Justice reports that abused or neglected children are 53 percent more likely to become juvenile delinquents and 38 percent more likely to become violent criminals. And abused children have lower IQs and reading ability.

America's children need our help.

For several years, I have worked with my good friend and colleague Congressman Bud Cramer, D-Ala., to promote funding and additional resources for the National Children's Alliance. Two years ago, I agreed to serve on the Congressional Advisory Board with him to broaden support for this effort. This year, we have asked for additional funding for Children's Advocacy Centers because their services are invaluable in helping families and, most importantly, children, cope with abuse through prevention, education and intervention.

If the problem of child abuse stretches across economic and social boundaries, our attack on it should do the same thing. Our entire society must be on "the front lines" in this war. We should work in a bipartisan way to conquer this terrible blight on our children's - and our society's - future.

By working together with state, local and federal agencies, we can help lessen the stress of a horrific experience by following a "child-first" approach.

As a community we must stand up for children and stand firmly against the predators who abuse them. It is time for all of us to "speak up for a child" not only during this month, but every day of the year.