Trey's Law — Protecting the Victims of Child Sex Abuse

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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