Child Abuse Awareness And Prevention Press Conference

April 27, 2021

Yesterday morning, I attended a press conference that highlighted several legislative proposals which would prevent and end child sexual abuse. 
 
I was joined by the Children's committee chairs, Representative Liz Linehan and Senator Saud Anwar, a bipartisan coalition of representatives, and leaders from nonprofits who dedicated ending child sexual misconduct through proactive policies. 

The proposed legislation, which is detailed below, will ensure that every child in Connecticut is protected. They will also help us better understand the prevalence of child sexual misconduct in the state, and what we can do to eliminate it in the future.  

The following pieces of legislation were discussed: 

HB 6113- AAC The Provision of Information Concerning Child Sex Abuse. 

  • If passed, H.B. 6113 would require the Department of Children and Families to develop information concerning appropriate interactions with children and child sexual abuse. This information would be distributed by and operators of youth athletic activities 

HB 6399 - AAC Center for Disease Control’s Youth Risk Behavior Survey. 

  • H.B. 6399 would revamp the CDC Youth Risk Behavior Survey, which is  administered annually to  middle and high school students. The additional questions will help better gauge the prevalence of adult sexual misconduct in the state.      

HB 6417 — AAC Background Check for Certain Employees of Youth Camps. 

  • H.B. 6417 would require youth camp employees eighteen years of age or older to submit to a comprehensive background check.

HB 6511 — AAR Background Checks for Youth Sports Coaches, Trainers, and Instructors.  

  • If passed, H.B. 6511 requires youth sports coaches, instructors, and athletic trainers who are 18 or older to submit to a comprehensive background check.  

With bipartisan support, the General Assembly will create these instruments to continue fighting child sexual abuse by empowering parents and children across the state.