428| Brave Movement

What this episode covers

Dear Mr. President, We the undersigned write to you as survivors of child sexual abuse in the United States of America. We are men and women who have suffered at the hands of those who should have protected us as children, and in spite of our suffering, have thrived and grown into adults who will not be silenced. We have reviewed our country’s efforts to protect its children and found it wanting. We have trust that if you would hear us and work with us, together we can make great strides towards protecting the children of today. Our country is only as great as those who are least in it, and too many of our children are left to suffer without justice. To make our country truly great, we ask that you take up our cause and help us end child abuse. We propose the following efforts to stem the tide of abuse and strengthen the justice systems response against those who would harm children. First, we request the establishment of a National Survivor’s Council. This council would consist of survivors who would meet quarterly and advise congress on the needs of survivors. Lived experience is necessary for effective policy-making, and we hope to share that experience to bolster your efforts to make America great. For too long we have been silenced by the trauma of our youth, be an advocate for us and give us a voice. Second, we request a review of the federal statutes of limitations for sexual crimes. We ask that the federal government lead by example and abolish these statutes, as they prevent justice and impede the healing process for survivors. The great states of Kentucky, Maryland, North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia, West Virginia, and Wyoming have already passed legislation protecting survivor’s rights to report, but our other states have not yet followed this example. Take this opportunity to spur them into action and take up our cause. Third, we request a strengthening of national efforts to remove video depiction of child abuse from the internet and to halt the proliferation of such material. Many of us have had the worst moment of our lives filmed, sold, and purchased online, and a necessary part of our healing is the removal of these photographs, videos, and other depictions. With the advent of AI, manufactured child pornography has been on the rise. We ask that clear legislation preventing this with strong sentencing be drafted federally. The survivors in America look to you, Mr. President, to lead by example and protect the safety of our children. Our right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness is enshrined in our laws, but until justice is had for survivors of child sexual abuse, this right is denied. We trust that together we can be a force for good, and we can make this country great. Be our champion, hear our voice, and end child abuse in this country once and for all. Sincerely, American Survivors of Child Sexual Abuse