Elizabeth Carlock Phillips and the Fight to End NDAs in Child Abuse Cases

In the realm of advocacy against child sexual abuse, few voices resonate as profoundly as that of Elizabeth Carlock Phillips. Her journey from personal tragedy to relentless activism illuminates the critical need to reform the use of non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) that have historically silence

d survivors and protected perpetrators.​

A Brother's Silence

Elizabeth's brother, Trey Carlock, endured years of sexual abuse at the hands of a trusted camp counselor. The trauma he suffered was compounded by an NDA he signed as part of a settlement, which forbade him from speaking about his experiences. This enforced silence weighed heavily on Trey, leading to profound despair. Elizabeth recalls, "He said to someone a few days before he died that 'they'll always control me and I'll never be free.'" Tragically, in 2019, Trey took his own life, a casualty not only of his abuser but of a system that prioritized secrecy over healing. ​

Transforming Grief into Advocacy

Determined to honor her brother's memory and prevent others from suffering in silence, Elizabeth embarked on a mission to challenge the misuse of NDAs in cases of child sexual abuse. She became a leading advocate for legislative reforms, working tirelessly to ensure that survivors could share their stories without fear of legal repercussions. Her advocacy underscores a fundamental truth: "No child crime victim should be silenced about the harm they endured. The public needs to know who and where the bad actors are—and survivors hold that truth." ​

Legislative Milestones

Elizabeth's efforts have been instrumental in shaping policy changes across multiple states:​

• Missouri: In response to the Kanakuk Kamps scandal, where numerous survivors were bound by NDAs, legislators introduced bills to render such agreements unenforceable in child sexual abuse cases. Elizabeth's testimony and advocacy were pivotal in bringing these issues to the forefront. ​

• Texas: Collaborating with lawmakers, Elizabeth supported bills aiming to void NDAs that prevent survivors from reporting abuse. Her personal narrative provided a compelling impetus for change, emphasizing that NDAs should protect trade secrets, not "trauma secrets." ​

A Call to Action

Elizabeth's journey from a grieving sister to a formidable advocate exemplifies the power of personal experience transformed into societal change. Her work challenges us to reconsider the ethical implications of NDAs in abuse cases and to prioritize the voices of survivors over the reputations of institutions. As she poignantly stated, "We cannot be silencing child sex abuse victims." ​

Through her unwavering commitment, Elizabeth Carlock Phillips has ignited a movement that seeks to dismantle the barriers of silence imposed by NDAs, ensuring that survivors like her brother Trey can share their truths and find the justice and healing they deserve.