HARRISBURG—The Pennsylvania Coalition Against Rape (PCAR) and the National Sexual Violence Resource Center (NSVRC) applaud the NCAA for taking swift and decisive action against Penn State in wake of the Jerry Sandusky child sexual abuse case.
The NCAA’s unprecedented actions—including a $60 million fine and an endowment dedicated to helping sexual assault victims—illustrate an enduring support for all child abuse survivors.
NCAA President Mark Emmert correctly urged Penn State to examine the culture that ultimately enabled serial child sexual abuse to occur.
We believe that true change requires a cultural shift in thought process regarding sexual abuse—one that promotes and establishes governances and oversight. Environmental and cultural components that allowed sexual abuse to be permissible must be eliminated.
Those changes have already begun at Penn State.
Since PCAR and NSVRC formed a partnership with Penn State approximately six months ago, new procedures have been established and thousands of staff members have been trained to recognize and respond to child sexual abuse and other forms of sexual abuse.
Penn State football coach Bill O’Brien also opened dialogue with PCAR in May. Coach O’Brien has expressed a great interest in sexual abuse prevention and how the football team could actively participate in the partnership with PCAR and NSVRC.
Our organizations are proud to be partners with Penn State as these changes take place and look forward to continuing to provide expertise, guidance and services as the university implements recommendations from the Freeh report.
The Pennsylvania Coalition Against Rape is the oldest and largest state anti-sexual violence coalition in the U.S. The organization represents 50 sexual assault centers that serve the state’s 67 counties. Each year these centers provide confidential services, at no charge, to more than 30,000 men, women and children affected by sexual abuse.
Founded by the Pennsylvania Coalition Against Rape in 2000, the National Sexual Violence Resource Center identifies, develops and disseminates resources regarding all aspects of sexual violence prevention and intervention.
