Costa votes to protect victims of sexual assault

WASHINGTON - Congressman Jim Costa (CA-16), who is the Chairman of the bipartisan Crime Survivors and Justice Caucus, voted to pass S. 4524 - Speak Out Act, a bipartisan, bicameral bill that would limit the use of non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) to silence survivors of sexual harassment or assault. This legislation now heads to President to sign into law.

“Too often, non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) are used by perpetrators to silence and manipulate survivors of sexual assault in the workplace. We must reform this broken system that prevents survivors from speaking out!” said Costa. “We must hold perpetrators accountable.” 

The Speak Out Act would bring justice for survivors of sexual assault and harassment by: 

• Prohibiting the use of pre-dispute NDAs between employers and current, former, and prospective employees, as well as independent contractors;

• Prohibiting the use of pre-dispute NDAs between providers of goods and services and consumers, and;

• Invalidating existing pre-dispute NDAs in cases that have not yet been filed.

The text of the bill can be found here. 

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The bipartisan Congressional Crime Survivors and Justice Caucus works alongside allied organizations to identify, address, and elevate the needs of crime survivors through legislation, education, and public awareness. It also provides resources to members of Congress to help connect crime victims with local advocates who can provide needed assistance.