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Last updated on Tuesday, January 30, 2018
(WASHINGTON, D.C.) - U.S. Rep. Luke Messer (IN-06) voted Monday in support of legislation to protect young athletes from sexual abuse.
The Protecting Young Victims from Sexual Abuse Act of 2018, which passed the House and Senate, strengthens reporting requirements for suspected cases of child abuse at amateur athletic governing bodies like USA Gymnastics to ensure that reports are immediately made to local or federal law enforcement authorities.
"As a father of three young children and a youth sports coach, I'm appalled by recent accounts of abuse against young athletes," Messer said. "Abuse of any kind is unacceptable and every one of these kids deserves better. The legislation passed today takes a step toward better protecting young athletes by ensuring organizations like USA Gymnastics are held accountable."
In May of 2017, the House voted on similar legislation authored by fellow Hoosier Rep. Susan Brooks (IN-05), which stemmed from an Indianapolis Star investigation that found at least 368 victims, many of whom were young athletes, were sexually abused by coaches, doctors or other adults affiliated with USA Gymnastics over the last 20 years.
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