BANGOR — The issue of child abuse prevention is being raised in Washington by Sen. Susan Collins of Maine.

Republican Collins and Connecticut Democratic Sen. Christopher Dodd introduced a resolution designating April as National Child Abuse Prevention Month. The resolution says that in 2008, some 772,000 children were determined to be victims of abuse or neglect; and the same year 1,740 children died as a result of abuse or neglect.

On Monday Collins and Dodd are to present a White House staff briefing on the issue.

Bangor Police Chief Ronald Gastia has been active in child abuse prevention and worked with Collins to arrange Monday’s event.