House Passes Bill to Protect Young Athletes from Sexual Abuse

Feb 08,2018

As the high-profile Larry Nassar sexual abuse trial comes to an end, lawmakers are working to improve protection for young athletes. Nassar pled guilty to 10 counts of first-degree sexual assault, and last week he was sentenced to up to 175 years in prison for his crimes against young gymnasts.

What’s in the Bill?

In the wake of the trial, the House of Representatives passed a bill to protect young athletes from sexual abuse. The bill is known as the Protecting Young Victims from Sexual Abuse and Safe Sport Authorization Act. It sets forth several steps to protect young athletes, including requiring employees of the United States Olympic Committee (USOC) to promptly report incidents of abuse to law enforcement. Athletes under 18 would also be prohibited from being alone with an adult who is not their parent or guardian.

The bill would require USA Gymnastics and other athletic organizations to implement policies to prevent abuse. Additionally, the bill allows victims to seek damages in civil suits in cases of abuse.

“The extent of Nassar’s crimes against young victims is appalling. It is past time that lawmakers pass legislation to protect young athletes from sexual abuse,” said Attorney Walter Clark, founder of Walter Clark Legal Group.

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