In this episode of 'One in Ten,' Host Teresa Huizar interviews Elizabeth Phillips of the Phillips Foundation about Trey’s Law, inspired by Phillips’ late brother Trey. Trey was groomed and abused at Kanakuk Kamp, and as a result of a later civil settlement, was silenced by a Non-Disclosure Agreement before dying by suicide at 28. Phillips explains how NDAs (often called confidentiality or non-disparagement clauses) have become standard in civil settlements, sometimes signed by parents or unaware survivors, and used by institutions and insurers to protect reputations and limit liability. However, this sometimes impedes healing and further disclosure for the victim. She describes state-level success passing versions of Trey’s Law in seven states and urges support for the federal bill (Senate Bill 3966), introduced by Senators Ted Cruz and Kirsten Gillibrand, which passed the Senate unanimously and awaits House action. This law will federally void and make unenforceable NDAs related to child sexual abuse and trafficking.
Time Stamps:
Time. Topic
00:00 Why Victim NDAs Matter
01:34 Kanakuk Scandal Origins
02:57 Trey Story And NDA Harm
05:15 How NDAs Become Standard
07:59 Incentives And Legal Gaps
12:47 Trauma In Civil Litigation
14:11 State Wins And Strategy
18:13 Federal Push And Retroactivity
22:42 September House Vote Plan
25:09 Healing When Truth Is Free
29:55 Where To Learn And Act
33:57 Know Your Rights Wrap Up
36:35 Closing Thanks And Outro
Resources:
Trey's Law ~ End Silence. Expose Abusers. Protect Children. Save Lives.
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