Federal investigations of child sexual abuse would improve under bipartisan Gonzales bill

To prevent further traumatizing victims of child sexual abuse, U.S. Rep. Tony Gonzales (R-TX) unveiled a bipartisan bill that would require the use of multidisciplinary teams composed of appropriate investigative personnel, mental health professionals, medical personnel, family advocacy case workers, child advocacy center personnel, and prosecutors to work such federal cases.

“When victims of sexual assault come forward, it can be difficult and in some cases traumatizing,” Rep. Gonzales said. “That’s why it is important to ensure law enforcement agents treat victim interviews with the utmost compassion, while conducting these critical investigations.” 

Rep. Gonzales on Sept. 29 cosponsored the Respect for Child Survivors Act, H.R. 9043, alongside bill sponsor U.S. Rep. Jim Costa (D-CA) to formalize a partnership between the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and Children’s Advocacy Centers to implement the use of multidisciplinary teams in child sexual abuse and exploitation cases, including those in which the child victim is now an adult, according to a bill summary provided by the lawmakers.

If enacted, H.R. 9043 would require individuals working on multidisciplinary teams to have appropriate expertise in their field and to undertake training as necessary to maintain their expertise, the summary says, and also includes information sharing and case review provisions to ensure accountability in the handling of cases.

“For far too long, we have seen how mishandled cases leave victims and survivors further traumatized,” Rep. Costa said. “We must enact reforms to improve the facilitation of these critical investigations while still protecting child survivors.”

H.R. 9043 has been referred to the U.S. House Judiciary Committee for consideration and is the companion bill to the same-named S. 4926, which U.S. Sens. John Cornyn (R-TX) and Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) introduced on Sept. 22 in their chamber.