1. Purpose of Trey’s Law Federal legislation introduced to prohibit Non‑Disclosure Agreements (NDAs) from silencing child victims of sexual abuse. Ensures victims cannot be legally barred from speaking about their own abuse. Victims may choose confidentiality, but it cannot be forced on them. 2. The Story Behind the Law Trey was abused for years at a Missouri summer camp. As an adult, during civil litigation, he was pressured to sign an NDA, which deeply harmed his ability to hea...
1. Purpose of Trey’s Law
- Federal legislation introduced to prohibit Non‑Disclosure Agreements (NDAs) from silencing child victims of sexual abuse.
- Ensures victims cannot be legally barred from speaking about their own abuse.
- Victims may choose confidentiality, but it cannot be forced on them.
2. The Story Behind the Law
- Trey was abused for years at a Missouri summer camp.
- As an adult, during civil litigation, he was pressured to sign an NDA, which deeply harmed his ability to heal.
- Trey died by suicide at age 28.
- His sister, Elizabeth Phillips, has become a leading national advocate, pushing to change the law so no child experiences this again.
3. Widespread Problem of NDAs in Child Abuse Cases
- Across the country, predators and institutions use NDAs to:
- Silence victims.
- Protect institutions from reputational damage.
- Delay exposure long enough for statutes of limitations to expire.
- Children often do not disclose abuse until decades later due to delayed disclosure, grooming, and shame.
4. Systemic Issues at Certain Institutions
- Kanakuk Kamps (Missouri) highlighted as a major example:
- Numerous allegations and confirmed cases of abuse over decades.
- Accusations of institutional cover‑ups, pressure on victims, and secrecy agreements.
- Advocacy groups maintain public databases of known or alleged abusers.
- Some perpetrators remained in leadership roles or were moved to other ministries.
5. Survivor Testimony Impact
- A 19‑year‑old survivor, Jayden Harris, spoke publicly for the first time after being protected by Missouri’s version of Trey’s Law.
- She described being pressured by both her abuser and her own attorney to sign an NDA.
- Her testimony emphasized the power shift that occurs when victims know they cannot be silenced by law.
6. Bipartisan Support
Trey’s Law has broad, bipartisan backing in the U.S. Senate:
- Lead sponsors: Sen. Ted Cruz (R) & Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand (D)
- Additional bipartisan co‑sponsors from both parties.
- Strong expectation the bill will pass.
7. The Harm of Shame & Silence
- Shame is a powerful reason victims—especially children—do not come forward.
- Survivors speaking out helps:
- Their own healing,
- Other victims feel less alone,
- Expose predators still active.
8. Call to Action for the Public
- Sharing the information widely on social media to raise awareness.
- Calling senators and representatives to urge passage of Trey’s Law.
- Supporting survivor advocacy organizations:
- FactsAboutKanakuk.com
- TreysLaw.org
- NMVAlliance.org
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