JacksonLee

WASHINGTON, Jun 23, 2012 -

Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee, A Co-Founder of the House Congressional Children’s Caucus and a Senior Member of the House Judiciary Committee, released the following statement regarding the Jerry Sandusky verdict:

“This was and probably will be historically one of the major cases in the United States of America on child sexual abuse. The testimony of 8 witnesses, now young men, indicating that Mr. Sandusky had sexually abused them under the cover of one of the most famous academic institutions of higher learning which has had leadership in athletics will highlight the tragedy of child sexual abuse.

“This case should cause America to raise the awareness on child sexual abuse and the plight of vulnerable children should not fade away as victims may now be able to come forward because they believe people will listen. It is time now for the legislative process to also work to put an end to this heinous epidemic in America called child sexual abuse. I will soon introduce the Cops Act that will highlight institutions that cover up child sexual abuse. It will also provide extra funding for local and state prosecutors who go effectively after child sexual abusers.

“This epidemic should stop and we should not rest until we find the social structure and the legislative structure to stop child sexual abuse in its tracks. As the Co-chair and Founder of the Congressional Children’s Caucus we want to develop best practices to begin to educate communities about individuals you hide under prestige and prey on vulnerable children.”