McCaul, Moran, Wild, Cornyn Introduce Bipartisan Legislation to Prevent Child Sexual Abuse

WASHINGTON – Today, Congressman Michael McCaul (R-Texas) introduced the Jenna Quinn Law of 2024 along with Congressman Nathaniel Moran (R-Texas), and Congresswoman Susan Wild (D-Pa.). The Jenna Quinn Law of 2024 would authorize current grant funds to be used to train and educate students, teachers, school employees, caregivers, and other adults who work with children on sexual abuse prevention. The bill, named for child abuse survivor Jenna Quinn, is a companion to legislation introduced in the Senate by U.S. Senator John Cornyn (R-Texas).

“Child sexual abuse is one of the highest forms of evil in this world, and ending it should be one of Congress’ greatest priorities,” said Rep. McCaul. “With the help of the Jenna Quinn Law, caregivers and teachers throughout Texas have had the proper resources to report and prevent such unspeakable evil. It’s baffling how long it has taken to incorporate the same successful strategy nationally. I will never stop fighting to protect our children, and I urge my colleagues to do the same by immediately passing the Jenna Quinn Law of 2024.”

“It is long overdue that we adopt a national strategy to recognize and report child abuse,” said Rep. Moran. “Providing the necessary resources to break the cycle of child sexual abuse save lives. The bipartisan Jenna Quinn Law not only extends training initiatives but also raises the likelihood of sexual assaults being reported, and ultimately stopped.”

“Our children deserve to live safe from abuse and neglect. In Pennsylvania, and across the country, we have seen the tragic consequences of unrecognized and unreported child abuse," said Congresswoman Wild. "I’m proud to lead this bipartisan legislation to make commonsense investments in our children’s health and safety, and to empower those around them to help stop child sexual abuse and alert the proper authorities before it’s too late.”

“All states should have the resources to invest in programs that help prevent the vicious cycle of child sexual abuse, but unfortunately, that is not always the case," said Senator Cornyn. “Our bill, inspired by Texan Jenna Quinn, would help increase reporting of child sexual abuse by expanding training programs for students, teachers, and caregivers to identify and help combat this harrowing epidemic nationwide.” 

Background:

Jenna Quinn — a Texan — is a brave survivor of child sexual abuse, who has fought tirelessly to share the stories of survivors across the country. Her story and her advocacy highlight the need for action so resources are available to help prevent further child abuse. 

In 2009, Texas became the first state to mandate child sexual abuse prevention education for students, school, staff, and caregivers after the state unanimously passed Jenna’s Law. Following that law’s passage, a study found Texas educators reported child sexual abuse at a rate almost four times greater after training than during their pre-training career.

The Jenna Quinn Law of 2024 would authorize the Department of Health and Human Services to allow federal grants to be used for eligible entities for increasing evidence-based or informed training on sexual abuse prevention education and reporting to teachers and school employees, students, caregivers, and other adults who work with children. It also ensures these grant recipients coordinate with local educational agencies to train students, professionals and volunteers who work with students on sexual abuse prevention, recognition, and reporting.

This bill is supported by the: National Children’s Alliance; National Center for Missing and Exploited Children; RAINN; Children’s Advocacy Centers of Texas; Child USA; Enough Abuse Campaign; Massachusetts Citizens for Children; Stop Child Predators; Darkness to Light; Children at Risk; ChildHelp; Connect 4 Faith; OffenderWatch Initiative; Northeastern Regional Children’s Advocacy Center of Pennsylvania; Southwestern Indiana Child Advocacy Center Coalition; Utah Coalition Against Sexual Assault; Monique Burr Foundation; Ryan United; CrimeStoppers; Know & Tell Campaign; Granite State Children’s Alliance; Building Hope Today; New Hampshire Coalition Against Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence; TexProtects; Children’s Justice and Advocacy Center of Longview Washington; Rights 4 Girls; Louisiana Sheriff’s Association; National Association of Adult Survivors of Child Abuse; Independence House, INC; Raven; Barnstable County, MA Public Health Nursing Division; Neighborhood Support Coalition; The Children’s Alliance Center of Berks County, A Program of Opportunity House; National Sheriff’s Association; Children’s Trust Roanoke Valley Virginia; The Children’s Advocacy Center of Collin County; Children’s Advocacy Centers of Tennessee; Children’s Advocacy Centers of Virginia; Children’s Advocacy Center of Highlands Community Services; Brigid Collins Family Support Center Washington; North Carolina Children’s Advocacy Centers; The Children’s Assessment Center; Prostasia Foundation in San Francisco; Plan To Protect; Children at Risk; California Protective Parents Association; The New York Center for Children; Turning Point Rape Crisis Center; Play It Safe; Youth Opportunity Foundation; The Twelve Project; Evangelical Council for Abuse Prevention; Reveal to Heal International; Abuse Prevention Systems; SHAREtogether; Rescue One More; Untrafficked; Operation Light Shine; The Jensen Project; The Zero Abuse Project.

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