FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact Melissa Green: [email protected] | 202.494.9554
Washington, D.C. (August 6, 2019) – Zero Abuse Project CEO Jeff Dion today issued the following statement regarding a new lawsuit filed against the Boy Scouts of America which identifies 350 alleged child sex predators who do not already appear in the Boy Scouts’ internal disciplinary files.
“First, we thank these courageous survivors who have come forward. Their actions will help prevent future abuse and protect kids.
“These allegations are further proof that the Boy Scouts of America have for decades enabled child sex predators to operate unimpeded in their ranks. We now know that the Boy Scouts are continuing to conceal the true scope of child sex abuse and cover-up in the institution, as most of the allegations are new claims against child sex predators not previously identified by the Boy Scouts.
“While the allegations against the Boy Scouts are shocking, we are heartened that more and more survivors are comfortable coming forward. There is a growing culture of disclosure in this nation where survivors are supported and believed, an important step toward stopping the child sex abuse epidemic.
“These allegations underscore the importance of laws like those implemented in Arizona, Hawaii, Minnesota, New Jersey, and New York, which reopen and expand the statute of limitations for child sex abuse. By giving the survivors the opportunity to come forward, even if the abuse happened decades ago, institutions will be held accountable for harboring and enabling child sex predators.
“Reforming statute of limitation laws will change the perverse incentive structure which encourages institutions to cover up child sexual abuse. With narrow statutes of limitations, institutions like the Boy Scouts must wait only a short time before they no longer can be held accountable for their actions and can keep their reputation intact. By reopening and expanding the statute of limitations, institutions will be incentivized to quickly deal with predators and implement policies that prevent child sex abuse and protect kids.
“We have only just begun to scratch the surface. As society continues to normalize the disclosure and discussion of child sex abuse and lawmakers implement laws to widen the statute of limitations, we predict that a tidal wave of survivors will come forward. We can stop child sex abuse, and we can protect kids.”
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Zero Abuse Project is a leading national nonprofit dedicated to stopping child sex abuse by engaging people and resources through a trauma-informed approach of education, research, advocacy, and advanced technology.
