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MAYOR HARRY KIM and MEMBERS OF THE COUNTY COUNCIL <br /> March 21, 2001 <br /> Page Two <br /> Sex abuse and neglect among chuldren is a very sensrtrve issue -sometimes known as <br /> "secret crimes". The children are frail victims and they need to know that there is help out there <br /> for them - an outreach team of professionals that will be a voice for them. <br /> The VACA Unit is an "essential" umt at the Prosecutor's Office as the team provides <br /> special attention to child victims and vrctrm-sensitive issues. It is vital that this unit be intact for <br /> <br /> prosecutorial consistency. <br /> With appropriate funding by the County, the VACA Unit could become more established <br /> and exhibit public awareness by coordinating with other interagency organizations to educate the <br /> public that sex abuse and neglect among children rs not only an isolated problem but a <br /> community problem. The VACA Unit could be a useful tool m laying the foundation to better <br /> serve the young victims of abuse By working with other agencies, the VACA Unit could help <br /> reach young victims by developing an outreach team in the various rural areas of the Big Island. <br /> With more public awareness, hopefully, the targeted young victims will feel more at ease about <br /> coming forward with their "secret". With hard work and perseverance, we, as a community can <br /> accomplish what may seem now to befar-fetched. I hope that with more exposure and given the <br /> chance, the VACA Unit could follow the steps of the Domestic Violence Unit currently <br /> progressing rn the Prosecutor's Office. <br /> Mayor Kim and Cadres and Gentlemen of the County Council, I humbly ask for your <br /> gracious consideration to fund the VACA Unit at the Prosecutor's Office and be a member of <br /> socrety to deter violence against our children of tomorrow Please help to preserve the innocence <br /> and dignity of young victims. We need to take a stand together to let perpetrators know that <br /> socrety will NOT tolerate therr repulsive behavior <br /> As you ponder on your decision, please take a moment to think of your own children <br /> and/or grandchildren. How fortunate they are that they Have parents and/or grandparents who <br /> loves them and cares for them. <br /> Then think of the less fortunate children that have to live with the shame, the self-eating <br /> burden, the fear and the suffering as a result of an mconcervable abuse. <br /> Please help the children and be a voice for them. <br /> Thank you for your consideration and for taking the time to read my plea. <br /> Srncer~y, <br /> f/ U"' <br /> Loin C.Ita <br /> <br />