The scandal at USA Gymnastics would never have come to light if not for the courageous decisions of dozens of victims to step forward and tell the world what happened. We should celebrate their courage, not silence their voices.

Survivors who were victims of sexual abuse as a child have often kept their experience secret for many years, especially if the abuse was by someone they trusted. The effects of sexual abuse, which may include guilt, shame, intimacy issues, and low self-esteem, can last long after the abuse has ended. Denying survivors the right to speak is a dangerous precedent that may discourage many others from speaking out in the future. The unfortunate result is likely to be that more abusers will never face justice.

We hope that the court will lift this gag order, so that America can learn all about the abuse that allegedly took place over many years.

For press inquiries, contact RAINN's press secretary.