WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Congressman Dave Joyce (R-OH) and Congresswoman Annie Kuster (D-NH), Co-Chairs of the Bipartisan Task Force to End Sexual Violence, hosted a roundtable with child sexual abuse survivors and advocates. During the conversation the group discussed the need for policy reforms to prevent future children from experiencing sexual violence and expand access to support and justice resources for survivors.

“Every child deserves to grow up in a safe household. Unfortunately, that is not the case for so many children across the country,” said Congressman Joyce. “I appreciate my fellow Co-Chair, Congresswoman Kuster, and the panelists for coming to the table today to have an open, honest conversation. I look forward to continuing to work to help effectively prevent child sexual abuse and provide survivors with support and resources needed to heal and seek justice for the atrocities committed against them.”

“No child should be subjected to sexual assault or abuse — yet, that is the chilling reality for millions of kids across our country,” said Congresswoman Kuster. “We must do more to end the scourge of sexual assault, hold abusers accountable, and support survivors as they recover and heal. Thank you to Anthony Edwards, Grace French, and all the advocates who joined us today. Together, we will change this conversation and keep our youngest generations safe.”

The roundtable included child sexual assault advocates from across the country:

• Anthony Edwards, award-winning actor, Chairman and National Spokesperson, 1 in 6
• Grace French, President and Founder, The Army of Survivors (TAOS)
• Denis Edwards, Co-Chair of Keep Kids Safe and Director of Government Affairs, National Children’s Alliance (NCA)
• John Peracchi, Program Manager, National Criminal Justice Training Center (NCJTC) of Fox Valley Technical College
• Michelle Booth Cole, Executive Director, Safe Shores-The D.C. Children’s Advocacy Center

Earlier this month, Representatives Joyce and Kuster introduced a resolution to recognize April as National Child Abuse Prevention Month.