[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 139 (Wednesday, September 14, 2016)]
[House]
[Page H5452]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        RECOGNIZING CHESSY PROUT

  (Ms. KUSTER asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 
minute and to revise and extend her remarks.)
  Ms. KUSTER. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to recognize Chessy Prout, a 
courageous young woman who has shown tremendous bravery and resolve in 
the wake of a tragic and disturbing act that no one should ever have to 
face.
  Chessy was sexually assaulted by an upperclassman at her boarding 
school when she was just 15 years old. Just last month, after lengthy 
and traumatic legal proceedings, Chessy came forward on national 
television to reclaim her identity and take back what was stolen from 
her. Chessy's willingness to publicly share her story will let other 
survivors know that they, too, can come out of the shadows and that 
they are not alone.
  Speaking out against this painful ordeal Chessy went through took a 
huge amount of strength and courage. Like so many people, I am inspired 
by her actions, and I hope that they empower other survivors to come 
forward.
  Sadly, Chessy's ordeal is not unique. One out of every six American 
women have been victims of sexual assault. While our country has made 
progress on this issue, survivors of sexual assault continue to face 
far too many obstacles in their pursuit of justice.
  That is why I have cosponsored the Survivors' Bill of Rights Act, 
legislation that would codify important basic rights for sexual assault 
survivors. The House and Senate have passed this bill, and I urge the 
President to sign it into law.
  Thanks to the courage of people like Chessy Prout, we have taken 
important steps to change the culture around sexual assault, and I know 
that together we can build on our progress.

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