February 07, 2022

Correa Votes to Pass the Ending Forced Arbitration of Sexual Assault and Sexual Harassment Act

Washington, D.C. – Today, Rep. Lou Correa (D-CA) released the following statement after voting in favor of H.R. 4445 Ending Forced Arbitration of Sexual Assault and Sexual Harassment Act of 2021, this bipartisan legislation will eliminate obstructions to justice for sexual assault or sexual harassment survivors by giving them the decision to go to court or to arbitrate their case:

“Sexual crimes are some of the most brutal and heinous crimes, causing unrepairable harm to victims. Beyond the physical pain, the psychological trauma scars victims for life. And let us not forget that most victims bear the pain of such crimes silently, never reporting them due to the social stigma attached to being victimized.

I thank Representative Bustos for this most important legislation, HR 4445, to prohibit forced arbitration when it comes to sexual misconduct and sexual assault cases.

However, this is just the start of addressing these crimes. Congress must also address secret settlements and nondisclosure agreements, which allow sexual predators to continue their behaviors for years while their heinous crimes are kept secret, and their victims are silenced. To remedy this loophole, I will be introducing legislation to prohibit secret settlements when it comes to sexual crimes.”

 

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