A Victory for Survivors, A Warning to Institutions That Shield Abusers
Missouri has enacted Trey’s Law—a piece of legislation that voids non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) in cases involving child sexual abuse. This law makes Missouri the first state in the nation to categorically bar the use of NDAs to silence victims of child sexual abuse, setting a new legal standard that prioritizes the rights of survivors over the reputation of institutions.
At Andreozzi + Foote, we applaud this critical step forward. Too often, powerful institutions—from schools and churches to youth organizations and camps—have used NDAs as tools of coercion, forcing victims and their families into silence in exchange for settlements. This silence allows abusers to remain hidden, often enabling continued abuse. Trey’s Law changes that.
What Trey’s Law Does
Named after abuse survivor Trey Simmons, who a teacher sexually abused and later silenced through an NDA, the law does the following:
- Voids any NDA that prohibits a survivor from speaking about their abuse.
- Applies retroactively, meaning survivors who previously signed NDAs can now come forward without fear of legal retaliation.
- Allows civil claims to proceed even if silence was previously contractually required.
This is not just legislative progress—it’s an act of justice.
Why This Law Matters
For decades, NDAs have been used to hide patterns of abuse and protect institutional reputations rather than the vulnerable individuals harmed. Missouri’s new law says loudly and clearly: No more.
By voiding these gag orders, Trey’s Law gives survivors their voice back. And with that voice comes the power to warn others, pursue healing publicly, and hold wrongdoers accountable.
At Andreozzi + Foote, we’ve seen firsthand how these NDAs have stifled not only justice but recovery. Many of our clients have struggled in silence, unsure whether they could even legally share their stories. This law gives those silenced by shame and legal intimidation the clarity—and legality—to finally speak up.
How Missouri Compares to Other States
While a few other states have restricted the use of NDAs in workplace sexual harassment cases, Missouri is the first to prohibit them in child sexual abuse cases outright and retroactively.
- California enacted a law in 2018 (SB 820) that bans NDAs in settlements of sexual assault and harassment cases—but only going forward, not retroactively.
- New Jersey passed similar legislation for workplace harassment and discrimination cases.
- Arizona prohibits NDAs that would block someone from reporting sexual misconduct to law enforcement.
But none of these states go as far as Trey’s Law in freeing child sexual abuse survivors from the legal muzzle of NDAs. Missouri now leads the country in placing survivors rights above institutional secrecy.
What Survivors Need to Know
If you or someone you love was sexually abused as a child and was forced to sign an NDA to receive a settlement—you are no longer bound by that agreement in Missouri.
You have the legal right to:
- Speak out about your abuse
- Share your story publicly or privately
- Pursue a civil claim, even if an NDA previously silenced you
This is a significant shift. Survivors who thought their path to justice was closed now have a chance to reclaim their power.
We’re Here to Help
At Andreozzi + Foote, we represent survivors nationwide in civil lawsuits against institutions that failed to protect them. If you’re in Missouri—or anywhere else—and want to know how this law affects your rights, please contact us. We can review any NDA you signed and help you determine your legal options under this new framework.
No one should ever be forced into silence about the trauma they endured, especially not children. With Trey’s Law, Missouri has taken a courageous step forward. It’s time for other states to follow.
Let us help you take the next step. Contact us for a confidential consultation and discover how we can assist you in your pursuit of truth, healing, and justice. 1-866-753-5458
