No six-year-old survivor should have to face their abuser in court. Nebraska’s laws leave our youngest victims unprotected during the most terrifying moments of their lives. It’s time to change that — to allow safe, trauma-informed testimony options for children, so no child has to relive their abuse in front of the person who hurt them.

In Nebraska, even very young victims of sexual or physical abuse can be required to testify in the same courtroom as their abuser — often only feet away. This re-traumatizes children who have already survived unimaginable harm. We are calling on Nebraska lawmakers to create stronger protections for child witnesses, including allowing testimony by video or closed-circuit television and providing trauma-informed advocates during court proceedings.

As a parent, I’ve watched my 6-year-old daughter — a survivor herself — struggle under the weight of a system that expects her to face the man who traumatized her. Despite completing her forensic interview through Project Harmony and bravely sharing her story, she will still have to testify directly in front of her abuser and his family.

This is not justice. This is retraumatization.

Right now, Nebraska law allows young victims — even as young as six years old — to be required to testify in front of their abuser. This means they must relive their trauma, often while being watched by the very person who hurt them.

We have the tools to do better. Many states already protect children by allowing testimony through video, pre-recorded statements, or closed-circuit television. Nebraska must follow suit.

We propose:

1. Any child under 10 who is a victim of sexual assault should never be required to testify in the same courtroom as the accused.

2. Expanding the use of remote or recorded testimony for minors in abuse cases.

3. Ensuring every child victim has access to a trauma-informed advocate through every stage of the legal process.

4. Providing specialized training for legal professionals on handling child witness testimony with sensitivity and care.

No child should ever have to look their abuser in the eye just to seek justice.

I’m calling on the Nebraska Legislature and our justice system to update state law to protect minor victims of sexual assault from having to testify in front of their abusers.

Please sign and share this petition to demand change. Together, we can build a justice system that heals — not harms — and ensure that every child survivor in Nebraska can tell their story safely, with dignity, and without fear.