Edelman emphasized that any strategy to address crime and violence must include a focus on prevention. She quoted statistics that showed almost 50,000 American children dead from guns during the years 1979 to 1991. This figure roughly equals the number of American battle casualties in the Vietnam War. In addition, the Centers for Disease Control estimated that there are five non-fatal gunshot injuries for every fatal one, or an estimated 26,000 children and youths injured by gunfire in 1991 alone. In addition to the children killed or physically injured, many others are harmed by the pervasive violence around them. Edelman emphasized the need for quality afterschool and summer programs, Head Start, Job Corps and other preventive programs to keep children safe and to provide guidance and hope for the future. She urged a ban on assault weapons, and emphasized the need for legislation that helps children and does not contain provisions that would be harmful to them. Notes