More than 600,000 children are abused in the U.S. each year, according to the National Children's Alliance.

In New York, child advocacy centers investigated more than 1,000 cases of child abuse in 2023. Of those, there were more than 700 alleged offenders and almost 50 arrests.

On Tuesday, a handful of officials placed pinwheels on the grounds at The Oneida County Child Advocacy Center, symbolizing healthy and happy childhoods.

Assemblywoman Marianne Buttenschon put forth legislation at the beginning of this year that supporters say could help keep offenders away from those they would harm.

“We carry a bill that states that this individual will serve the maximum sentence. I will continue to push with that because we have to let them know, you will be accountable for these actions,” Buttenschon said.

The bill would increase the penalties for certain child abuse and drug offenses like rape and aggravated sexual abuse of a child, and establish them as A-1 felonies. The bill would also raise the minimum sentence from 15 to 20 years in prison.

“With abuse, it is a power where an innocent child is powerless, and this individual maintains power over them,” Buttenschon said.

Oneida County Undersheriff Joseph Lisi said he agrees that those guilty of abusing children should be kept behind bars longer.

“I don’t know if there’s a way to ensure that they will never offend again. The best way we can ensure from law enforcement is to keep them in jail as long as we can and get the most treatment they can while they’re in jail,” Lisi said.

He said it’s crucial that offenders take advantage of treatment programs and seek counseling.

“In our justice system, we need to hold people accountable when they traumatize children," said Derrick O’Meara, director of the Oneida County Child Advocacy Center.

“An individual who has been convicted of a child abuse crime needs to serve their entire sentence for the sake of the children that are in our society who are potential victims of that person should that person be released, particularly with an early release. It sends a terrible message to a person who offends that they get rewarded by an early release,” O’Meara said.

Lawmakers have roughly four working weeks left before the legislative session ends in June.

If you or someone you know suspects a child is a victim of abuse, call the NYS Child Abuse Hotline at 1-800-342-3720.